Insomnia drug zolpidem is more bad than good, say drug experts

By William Atkins
Tuesday, 12 August 2008 01:38

Science - Health

The National Prescribing Service says insomnia drug zolpidem has more risks than benefits. Zolpidem is found in such trade-named products as Ambien, Hypnogen, Myslee, Nimadorm, Nitrest, Sanval, Stilnoct, Stilnox, Zoldem, Zolfresh, and Zolt.


The National Prescribing Service, Limited (NPS) states that their objective is as: “… an independent, non-profit organisation providing medicines information and resources for consumers, health professionals, members and stakeholders involved in Quality Use of Medicines (QUM).

Zolpidem is a prescription medication that is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (sleeplessness), along with jet lag and shift-work.

Medically, the drug is a short-acting nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that “potentiates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to benzodiazepine receptors which are located on the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors.” [Physiology and Behavior: “The sleep–wake cycle and sleeping pills”]

The article within the journal Physiology and Behavior also states, “Today, benzodiazepines and the so-called “non-benzodiazepines”, such as zolpidem, which both act on benzodiazepine receptors, are drugs of first choice and they are substitutes for barbiturates.”

Within the announcement made by the NPS, came the statement, "The risks associated with (Stilnox and other) hypnotics generally outweigh any benefits they provide with continuous long-term use."

Stilnox has been in the public eye recently after reports surfaced concerning users of the insomnia drug walking, "sleep driving," fighting, operating heavy machinery, and other unusual incidents while sleeping and under the influence of the drug.

Also in the news is the similar drug zopiclone. Please read page two for more information on zopiclone and additional news from the NPS.