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[Are z-hypnotics better and safer sleeping pills than benzodiazepines?]
[Article in Norwegian]
Avdeling for klinisk farmakologi, St. Olavs Hospital.
Benzodiazepines and the benzodiazepine-like z-hypnotics (zopiclone, zolpidem, and zaleplon) have the same mode of action and many of the same effects. The use of z-hypnotics has had a steady and large increase since their introduction in Norway, and sales data suggest extensive use among the elderly. The relatively short half-lives of these drugs may cause less hangover effects, but z-hypnotics are hardly more effective or safer than benzodiazepines. The two classes of drugs should be prescribed with similar caution.
PMID: 17117195 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Zolpidem (Ambien®, Ambien CR®)
Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.
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