Is Ambien a benzo?
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
Read next
Why am I unable to sleep after taking Ambien?
Most people who take Ambien feel sedated and fall asleep, as expected, but rarely, some people show the opposite effect and become aroused or are unable to fall asleep. Experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, but some research has suggested that because Ambien affects the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA and inhibitory neurons, this allows excitatory neurons responsible for transmitting activity to re-awaken and become active again because the inhibitory neurons are “asleep”. Continue reading
Quviviq vs. Ambien: How do they compare?
Both Quviviq and Ambien are oral prescription medicines used to help with trouble sleeping (known as insomnia). Quviviq and Ambien CR are used for adults who have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, while Ambien is used to help with sleep onset due to a shorter duration of action. Continue reading
Xanax vs Ambien: How do they compare?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine, and Ambien (zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic. Both Xanax and Ambien enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA, but they are used to treat different health conditions. Continue reading
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