Zolpidem

Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. The French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis first created this potent substance in the 1980s. It is now marketed as Ambien and other brands like Zolpimist and Edluar. Its CAS Registry number is 8262648-0.

Falling under the category of sedative-hypnotics, zolpidem is known chemically as N,N-dimethyl-2-(6-methyl-2-p-tolylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)acetamide and has the molecular formula C19H21N3O. It is commonly available as a white or off-white powder, and can be encapsulated into tablets in a variety of shapes and colors.

Zolpidem slows down brain activity to help those with insomnia sleep. It works by increasing the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter within the brain. This leads to sedation.

Standard dosages of zolpidem vary depending on the patient, their condition and the specific formulation. The immediate-release forms are prescribed for insomnia that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep. A typical dose for men is 5-10 mg and for women 5 mg, taken just before bedtime. In general, the sublingual or extended-release tablets are used for trouble sleeping. The usual dosage is 6.25-12.5 mg per person for men, and 6.25 mg per woman, taken just before bedtime.

While zolpidem can be highly effective in treating insomnia for a short time, it is not without risks and side-effects. Side effects include nausea, dizziness and headaches. Sometimes, complex sleep behaviors like sleep-walking and sleep-driving can also occur. The use of this medication for a long time can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms. It is important that you only take it under the supervision of your healthcare provider.

In many countries including the United States, it is illegal to purchase or sell zolpidem without a valid prescription. Information provided on this site is only for educational purposes and should not guide treatment decisions. Consult a medical professional before making any decisions. When handling zolpidem, always adhere to the local laws and regulations.