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Is Ambien a benzo?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 16, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Ambien (zolpidem) is not a benzo (benzodiazepine), it is unique in its action and does not resemble benzodiazepines or barbiturates at all. But it does work similarly. Both benzodiazepines and Ambien are thought to enhance the effects of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. However, Ambien only induces sleep whereas benzodiazepines also work as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants.

Ambien belongs to the class of medicines known as non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. It may also be called a miscellaneous sedative-hypnotic or a Z-drug.

References
  • Ambien (zolpidem). Revised: 01/2023. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/ambien.html

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