Is Zolpidem addictive? Answer this and other questions about the medicine

Doctors comment on what it is used for and the side effects of this sleep-inducing drug

OR zolpidem (zolpidem hemitartrate) is a medicine that is part of the hypnotic class and is indicated for inducing sleep, being prescribed by doctors to people who have difficulty sleeping. It acts on the central nervous system and has a rapid action. Find out more below!

What is zolpidem used for?

“It is a substance that induces sleep for about 15 minutes and reduces awakenings during the night. The next day, the patient wakes up without the feeling of a hangover,” explains the Dr. Gustavo Teixeirapsychiatrist and managing partner of Grupo Primum Educacional.

This drug can be found in pills or inside sublingual versionwhich is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream and, therefore, promotes an even faster effect.

“Zolpidem has a short half-life in the body, lasting an average of 3 hours should never be mixed with alcoholic beverages and also it is essential to mention it the ideal is to take it for short periods “, tell to Dr. Vanessa Greghipsychiatrist and medical director of the Instituto de Psiquiatria Paulista (IPP).

According to Greghi, the medicine can help relieve insomnia, however The underlying cause of this symptom must be investigated and treated, which can also be related to various mental disorders, such as anxiety. depression and ADHD.

“Zolpidem is only indicated in patients who have been evaluated very well by a doctor. It is essential to analyze the person’s profile, the risks and see if this drug is really a good option for that person’s current life, i.e. if there is a risk of respiratory depression or abuse”, warns the psychiatrist.

Side effects of zolpidem

The most common side effects of zolpidem are:

• Daytime drowsiness;
• Mild to moderate headache;
• Diarrhea;
• Nausea;
• Dry mouth;
• Dizziness.

“If zolpidem does not immediately induce the disorder, the patient may remain in a somnambulistic state, putting himself in risk situations. Therefore, medical instructions must be followed scrupulously and the medicine can only be taken in a lying position in bed and without You cannot get up later and then go to eat, brush your teeth or do any other activity”, reveals the psychiatrist.

Who is it contraindicated for?

Dr. Gustavo points out that zolpidem is contraindicated for those who are allergic to the drug, sleep apnea syndrome, autoimmune diseases, which can trigger muscle weakness and severe liver failure.

” Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid this medicine.“, adds the specialist. It is worth noting that zolpidem cannot be given to people under 18 years of age.

Is Zolpidem addictive?

zolpidem has the potential to cause chemical and psychological dependence. “Despite being considered quite safe, this drug can only be used under medical supervision, always respecting the rules of use,” emphasizes Dr. Gustavo.

The individual taking zolpidem will not necessarily develop addiction, but there is a risk. “When the patient begins to use higher doses than recommended by the doctor, he may end up becoming dependent on the drug. And this is a substance that gives tolerance, that is, the body begins to need an increasingly higher dose for the effect to appear” , underlines Dr. Vanessa.

“Another worrying type of addiction is the psychological one, because the patient gets used to this power to immediately induce sleep and becomes unaccustomed to sleeping in an organic way,” he adds.

“Attention”

Anyone who self-medicates runs the risk of serious health complications.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.