ZOLPIREST 5

Distributor inventory

Short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and/or frequent night awakenings)

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that enhances the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor (preferentially via BZ1/alpha-1 subunits). This reduces neuronal activity in the brain and promotes sleep onset and maintenance.

Oral tablet. Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily at bedtime, immediately before sleep. Take on an empty stomach for faster onset; allow 7–8 hours for sleep. Do not take a second dose in the same night.

drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth, fatigue, next-day sleepiness

Prescription-only sleep medicine. May cause next-day impairment, dizziness and falls—avoid driving/operating machinery after use. Risk of dependence, tolerance, misuse and withdrawal; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Complex sleep behaviours (sleep-walking/driving/eating) can occur—stop and seek medical help if these occur. Use with caution in elderly, liver impairment, respiratory disease/sleep apnoea, depression or history of substance use. Do not use with other sedatives unless advised. Seek urgent care for severe allergy, confusion, hallucinations or suicidal thoughts.

Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants (additive sedation/respiratory depression); CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ritonavir) may increase levels; CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John’s wort) may reduce effect; caution with antidepressants/antipsychotics (increased CNS effects).