#20: zolpidem (Ambien) | A Short-Term Treatment for Sleep-Onset and Sleep-Maintenance Insomnia

Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug that selectively agonizes the benzodiazepine-1 receptor. It comes in multiple tablet forms as well as in a spray. The most common brand name zolpidem is identified with is Ambien. The most recognizable orally disintegrating tablet brand is Intermezzo. Zolpidem is used for short term treatment of sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia. It is important to transition patients off zolpidem to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. A commonly prescribed regimen for the immediate release tablet is 5 mg po immediately before bedtime allowing for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Some factors to consider are females appear to have a higher sensitivity to the medication so lower doses should be used. This medication should not be used if a patient is pregnant due to the drug being able to cross the placenta. Data shows that the neonate is at severe risk and could be born with withdrawal symptoms. There is black box warning for Complex Sleep Behaviors which include sleep walking, sleep driving, or other activities being conducted while not fully awake which may lead to injury or death. The medication should not be taken with food since it will delay the onset of action.  Go to DrugCardsDaily.com for episode show notes which consist of the drug summary, quiz, and link to the drug card for FREE! Please SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and RATE on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever your favorite place to listen to podcasts are. The main goal is to go over the Top 200 Drugs with the occasional drug of interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave some feedback I’d really appreciate hearing from you! Leave a voice message at anchor.fm/drugcardsdaily or find me on twitter @drugcardsdaily