Ambien (Zolpidem)

Ambien is a psychotropic hypnotic drug that is widely used to treat insomnia. Its action is aimed at reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, as well as improving the quality of sleep.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of Ambien (zolpidem) is based on its ability to interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness.

Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called imidazopyridines. It is a non-selective agonist of GABA receptors type A, that is, it binds to GABA receptors and enhances their inhibitory effect on neurons.

Ambien is similar in its mechanism of action to benzodiazepines such as diazepam but differs from them in that it has a shorter half-life in the body. It acts primarily on the thalamus and limbic system, which control the sleep-wake cycle.

When taking Ambien, there is an increase in the binding of GABA to receptors, which leads to a decrease in the excitatory activity of neurons and a sedative effect. Due to this, Ambien provides improved sleep quality, a decrease in the time it takes to fall asleep, and a decrease in awakenings during the night.

It is important to note that Ambien’s mechanism of action is also associated with its ability to modulate the activity of other neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. This may explain its effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia associated with depression.

Overall, Ambien’s mechanism of action is based on its ability to modulate the activity of GABA receptors and other neurotransmitter systems. This allows it to have a sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effect, helping patients achieve better quality sleep and cope with problems associated with insomnia. 

Indications for use

• Insomnia: Ambien is used to treat temporary and chronic forms of insomnia. It helps improve sleep quality, reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, and increases the overall duration of sleep. The drug is recommended for patients suffering from sleep problems such as anxiety, stress, or jet lag.
• Sleep disturbances caused by mental disorders: Ambien can be used to treat sleep disturbances associated with various mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and others. The drug helps stabilize sleep, reduces awakenings during the night, and promotes overall calm.
• Improving sleep quality: In addition to treating insomnia and sleep disturbances, Ambien can also be recommended to improve the quality of sleep in general. The drug helps achieve deep and refreshing sleep, which in turn increases energy, mood, and performance during the day.

Side effects

One of the most common side effects of Ambien is daytime drowsiness. Because the drug has a strong effect on sleep, people taking it may experience fatigue and lethargy. These conditions can negatively affect the quality of life and the ability to concentrate on work or daily activities.

Another side effect of Ambien is the possibility of developing sleep amnesia. People taking this drug may forget events that occurred before sleep or immediately after waking up. This can cause confusion or inconvenience, especially if important events occurred or important issues were discussed at that time.

However, the most serious risk associated with the use of Ambien is the possible dependence on the drug. Ambien can cause physical and psychological dependence. People suffering from dependence on sleeping pills may experience difficulties in abstinence and the development of tolerance to the drug.

Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations and not increase the dose or duration of taking Ambien without consulting a specialist. 

Contraindications

Ambien is prescribed with extreme caution in cases of severe respiratory and renal failure. Absolute contraindications for use are:

• hypersensitivity to the components of the composition;
• severe myasthenia;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• age under 18 years;
• sleep apnea syndrome.

Precautions

The drug shell contains a dye with lactose, so patients with intolerance to this substance are not recommended to take the drug. During treatment, it is better to refuse to drink alcoholic beverages, as this will reduce the effect of Ambien and the occurrence of unwanted side effects.

Long-term use of the drug can provoke addiction, so short-term treatment without exceeding the daily dosage is advisable.