Zolpidem: Characteristics And Side Effects

Zolpidem, also known as Stilnox, Nocte or Adormix, is used for specific sleep disorders such as insomnia. It is a fast-acting, non-benzodiacpenic hypnotic, which makes this drug a useful resource for patients who have trouble falling asleep or for those who experience frequent awakenings.

It is possible that many of our readers are familiar with this active principle included in the aforementioned trade names. Zolpidem is undoubtedly one of the most prescribed medications for short-term insomnia, its administration being limited to one or two days and a maximum of one month including the withdrawal of the drug itself.

It is also that chemical resource that the United States Air Force often uses to facilitate the night rest of many pilots after a mission. It is effective, it is fast and it does not leave an excessive “hangover” of symptoms the next day, as, for example, the classic benzodiazepines such as lormetazepam can do.

However, the fact that zolpidem is not a benzodiazepine as such and that it lacks muscle relaxant effects, does not mean that we are facing a harmless drug. We are facing an active principle with a high addictive potential, in case we use it for a long time. Let’s see more data below.

Zolpidem, as we have already mentioned, is prescribed to treat short-term insomnia. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of benzodiazepines, it acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but with the difference that molecularly, they are two different compounds and zolpidem also has no effect at the spinal level.

• Likewise, it is interesting to know that this drug is one of those that most respects the architecture of sleep and its phases, both REM and non-REM. All this undoubtedly facilitates the ability to maintain a deep and uninterrupted night’s rest.
• On the other hand, it should also be noted that zolpidem is also often prescribed in patients suffering from restless legs syndrome. It is usually very effective, for example in elderly people, since it facilitates rest, reduces movement of the extremities without suffering too many side effects.

Zolpidem is part of what are known as Z drugs, such as zoplicone or zaleplon, all of which are analogues of benzodiazepines and are also used to treat insomnia.

How should zolpidem be taken?

This drug, like any other, must be prescribed by a doctor. It will be the specialists who assess the recommendation or not to take this hypnotic, as well as the days that this treatment will last. We pointed out at the beginning, we are facing a chemical resource that will improve the quality of sleep, but whose administration must go between two days and four weeks.

Its effect is fast, so it is recommended that the person be prepared for a rest that will last between 7 and 8 hours in a row. Therefore, during that period we will not be able to drive or carry out any other activity that requires our attention. Furthermore, if we are awakened between 2 or 3 hours after taking the drug, we will present coordination difficulties, low alertness, memory problems and high fatigue.

Side effects of zolpidem

The so-called Z drugs are effective and zolpidem one of the most prescribed. However, and this is important to remember, it has a high addictive potential as long as it is used frequently. Its tolerance is very high, it is metabolized very quickly in the liver and as it is also a hypnotic sedative, we must pay careful attention to what other drugs or substances we are taking so that they do not interact.

If zolpidem is taken regularly, we may experience the following side effects:

• Antegrade amnesia.
• Drowsiness.
• Visual hallucinations
• Dry mouth.
• Coordination problems.
• Bowel problems (diarrhea or constipation).
• Tremors in the extremities.
• Ringing in the ears
• Joint pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Headache.
• Somnambulism.

Likewise, it is important to point out that older people are more sensitive to the effects of hypnotics, therefore, it is necessary that they follow the instructions of the specialists about their administration to the letter. If the treatment with zolpidem is prolonged longer than recommended, the elderly are at increased risk of falls and adverse cognitive effects.

The use of zolpidem also reduces our driving abilities and also increases the risk of suffering traffic accidents. It is not something casual, most hypnotics reduce our ability to react and coordinate, therefore, and once again, remember not to exceed the scheduled days, which will never extend beyond 4 weeks.

To conclude, just point out that this drug can interact with other medications, substances and even with vitamin supplements, whether they are of natural origin or not. Let us always follow the instructions of our doctors and be also attentive to possible unexpected side effects and that we must immediately inform the specialists.