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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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Patient Drug Information
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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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Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien, Sonata, ...)
How do the newer insomnia drugs compare in effectiveness?
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Zaleplon (Sonata® )
Zaleplon is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep). Zaleplon does not help you to stay asleep longer or decrease the number of times that you awaken during the night. Zaleplon is in a class of medications cal...