Definition
Some users take zolpidem recreationally for these side effects. However, it may be less common than benzodiazepine abuse. In the United States, recreational use may be less common than in countries where the drug is available as a less expensive generic. Zolpidem can become addictive if taken for extended periods of time, due to dependence on its ability to put one to sleep or to the euphoria it can sometimes produce. Like most addictive drugs, a tolerance in the zolpidem user develops and increases all the more quickly the longer she or he has been regularly taking it. Under the influence of the drug it is common to take more zolpidem than is necessary due to either forgetting that one has already taken a pill (elderly users are particularly at risk here), or knowingly taking more than the prescribed dosage. Users with a predilection for abuse are advised to keep additional zolpidem in a safe place that is unlikely to be remembered or accessed while intoxicated to avoid this risk. A trustworthy friend or relative is the best defense if such people are available; otherwise, a box or cupboard locked with a combination padlock is a good defense against this tendency, as the abovementioned side-effects can easily prevent a user from operating such a lock while under the drug's influence; Zolpidem is a prescription drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works quickly (usually within 15 minutes) and has a short half-life (2-3 hours). Some trade names of zolpidem are Ambien, Stilnox, Stilnoct, Hypnogen or Myslee. Its hypnotic effects are similar to those of the benzodiazepines, but it is classified as an imidazopyridine, and the anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects only appear at 10 and 20 times the dose required for sedation, respectively. For that reason, it has never been approved for either muscle relaxation or seizure prevention. Such drastically increased doses are more likely to induce one or more negative side effects, including hallucinations and/or amnesia. (See below.); Some users take zolpidem recreationally for these side effects. However, it may be less common than benzodiazepine abuse. In the United States, recreational use may be less common than in countries where the drug is available as a less expensive generic. Zolpidem can become addictive if taken for extended periods of time, due to dependence on its ability to put one to sleep or to the euphoria it can sometimes produce. Like most addictive drugs, a tolerance in the zolpidem user develops and increases all the more quickly the longer she or he has been regularly taking it. Under the influence of the drug it is common to take more zolpidem than is necessary due to either forgetting that one has already taken a pill (elderly users are particularly at risk here), or knowingly taking more than the prescribed dosage. Users with a predilection for abuse are advised to keep additional zolpidem in a safe place that is unlikely to be remembered or accessed while intoxicated to avoid this risk. A trustworthy friend or relative is the best defense if such people are available; Recreational zolpidem use is speculated to lead to tolerance and dependence much more quickly than prescribed use. Recreational use is rising, as demonstrated by the use of street names for the pill, such as: 'A' (which is most likely due to the imprint on the Ambien CR brand of zolpidem, which consists of a capital A along with a tilde, which looks roughly like A~, as well as for sedative and calming effects, 'A+' is a street name for Adderall, named so because of its stimulant effects) and 'zombie pills' (because of the waking sleep/sensory deprivation effect some users have reported experiencing). Another buzz term for Ambien is 'tic-tacs', referring to the shape and color of commonly abused 10mg tablets; Zolpidem is a prescription drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works quickly (usually within 15 minutes) and has a short half-life (2-3 hours). Its hypnotic effects are similar to those of the benzodiazepines, but it is actually classified as an imidazopyridine, and the anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects only appear at 10 and 20 times the dose required for sedation, respectively.[2] For that reason, it has never been approved for either muscle relaxation or seizure prevention. Such drastically increased doses are likely to induce one or more negative side effects, including hallucinations and/or amnesia.; Zolpidem is a prescription drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works quickly (usually within 15 minutes) and has a short half-life (2-3 hours). Some trade names of zolpidem are Ambien, Stilnox, Stilnoct, Hypnogen or Myslee. Its hypnotic effects are similar to those of the benzodiazepines, but it is actually classified as an imidazopyridine, and the anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects only appear at 10 and 20 times the dose required for sedation, respectively. For that reason, it has never been approved for either muscle relaxation or seizure prevention. Such drastically increased doses are more inclined to induce one or more negative side effects, including hallucinations and/or amnesia. (See below.); otherwise, a box or cupboard locked with a combination padlock is a good defense against this tendency, as the abovementioned side-effects can easily prevent a user from operating such a lock while under the drug's influence. [HMDB]
Description
Zolpidem (sold under the brand names Ambien, Ambien CR, Stilnox, and Sublinox) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of insomnia, as well as some brain disorders. It is a short-acting nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class that potentiates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to GABAA receptors at the same location as benzodiazepines. It works quickly (usually within 15 minutes) and has a short half-life (two to three hours). Zolpidem has not adequately demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining sleep (unless delivered in a controlled-release form); however, it is effective in initiating sleep. Some users take zolpidem recreationally for these side effects. However, it may be less common than benzodiazepine abuse. Zolpidem can become addictive if taken for extended periods of time, due to dependence on its ability to put one to sleep or to the euphoria it can sometimes produce.
Top Gene Interactions
Related Pathways
General Information
- Metabolism: Zolpidem is converted to inactive metabolites in the liver. Route of Elimination: Zolpidem tartrate tablets are converted to inactive metabolites that are eliminated primarily by renal excretion. Half Life: 2.6 hours
- Uses/Sources: For the short-term treatment of insomnia.
- Health Effects: They cause slurred speech, disorientation and "drunken" behavior. They are physically and psychologically addictive.
- Symptoms: Symptoms of overdose include impairment of consciousness ranging from somnolence to light coma.
- Treatment: General symptomatic and supportive measures should be used along with immediate gastric lavage where appropriate. Intravenous fluids should be administered as needed. sedative hypnotic effect was shown to be reduced by flumazenil and therefore may be useful; however, flumazenil administration may contribute to the appearance of neurological symptoms (convulsions). As in all cases of drug overdose, respiration, pulse, blood pressure, and other appropriate signs should be monitored and general supportive measures employed. Hypotension and CNS depression should be monitored and treated by appropriate medical intervention. Sedating drugs should be withheld following zolpidem overdosage, even if excitation occurs. The value of dialysis in the treatment of overdosage has not been determined, although hemodialysis studies in patients with renal failure receiving therapeutic doses have demonstrated that zolpidem is not dialyzable. (L1712)
- Route of Exposure: Oral. Zolpidem is rapidly absorbed from the GI tract.
Toxicity
- Carcinogenicity: No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
- Toxicity: LD50: 695 mg/kg (Oral, Rat) (A308)
Mechanism of Action
Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
---|---|---|
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-4 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-6 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit beta-3 |
18973287 10633039 16279764 15214791 15027873 2157817 9651158 8632757 11306694 16610795 8391122 20888240 15743180 8813598 |
|
Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1 Translocator protein |
Zolpidem modulates the alpha-subunit, known as the benzodiazepine receptor, within the GABAA receptor chloride channel macromolecular complex. Unlike the benzodiazepines, which non-selectively interact with all three alpha-receptor subtypes, Zolpidem preferentially binds to the alpha-1 receptor. |
17145705 11602696 17139284 8632757 9301675 17016423 8391122 8813598 |
Zolpidem Interacts with Diseases
Disease | Inference Score | References/Inference Genes |
Autism | 18.89 |
|
Angelman Syndrome | 12.02 |
|
Status Epilepticus | 10.44 |
|
Hepatic Encephalopathy | 10.13 |
|
Neuroendocrine Tumors | 9.72 |
|
Amphetamine-Related Disorders | 9.12 | |
Cocaine dependence | 8.39 |
|
Epilepsy, Absence | 8.26 |
|
Pancreatic carcinoma | 8.26 |
|
Autism spectrum disorder | 7.19 |
|
Seizures | 6.65 |
|
AUTISM, SUSCEPTIBILITY TO, X-LINKED 3 | 6.49 |
|
Encephalopathy, Neonatal Severe, Due To Mecp2 Mutations | 6.49 |
|
Mental Retardation, X-Linked 79 | 6.49 |
|
Generalized Epilepsy With Febrile Seizures Plus, Type 3 | 6.3 |
|
Intellectual Disability | 6.2 |
|
Lubs X-linked mental retardation syndrome | 6.14 |
|
Drug Metabolism, Poor, CYP2D6-Related | 5.92 | |
Isodicentric Chromosome 15 Syndrome | 5.91 |
|
Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic | 5.89 |
|