Zolpidem (Ambien) is an intensely advertised and commonly prescribed hypnotic. Zolpidem is an agonist at the gamma-aminobutyric acid A type (GABAA) receptor.

Zolpidem can produce interesting but undesirable brain dysfunction such as transient amnesia, sleep walking, and binge eating during the night, often not recalled the next day. For example, a lawyer quit taking the drug after one month, concerned that he awakened to find evidence that he raided the refrigerator and one occasion, he tore a towel rack out of a wall. He had no recollection of his nocturnal activities. He had started using Ambien because his racing mind kept him awake at night.

The drug company claimed that their drug had fewer side effects and less dependency potential than pre-existing insomnia drugs.  Studies, however, have failed to demonstrate meaningful behavioral pharmacological differences between zolpidem and classic benzodiazepine-receptor agonists such as triazolam.   

Liappas et al reported cases of zolpidem abuse and dependence after taking the drug for insomnia. The drug is taken in high doses by some drug addicts for its hallucinogenic properties. Mahoney et al reported on experiences of hospitalized patients: “There was a high frequency of adverse drug reactions, particularly associated with zolpidem use. Zolpidem should be used cautiously in the hospital setting.”  

The US FDA finally required sleeping pill manufacturers to include warnings on the packaging advising consumers of potential risks, to write letters to doctors, advising them of harmful effects and to produce brochures that advise patients of the potential risks.  The required warnings apply to:

Ambien,  Butisol,  Carbrital, Dalmane, Halcion, Lunesta (in Canada - Immovane), Placidyl, Prosom,  Restoril,  Rozerem,  Seconal,  Sonata (in Canada -Starnoc).

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Human Brain in Health and Disease

Neuroscience Notes

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