Non-Benzodiazepine Insomnia Drugs

Although it is still early days, a new class of drugs began to appear and the end of the 1980's. Known as the non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, this group includes Ambien ®, Lunesta ® and Sonata ®.

So how do these magic new insomnia drugs work?

Well surprisingly enough in exactly the same way as benzodiazepines but, according to the manufacturers, with a number of important differences.

• Firstly, all of these drugs have a relatively short half-life, so there should be little problem with the accumulation of the drug in the body, or with waking up feeling groggy in the morning.



• Secondly, while both barbiturates and benzodiazepines have a direct effect upon the stages of sleep you undergo while taking them, these new drugs do not. Previously denied the all important deep sleep and REM dream stages of the sleep cycle, these new drugs do not upset this cycle.



• Thirdly, it is claimed that these drugs are less likely to be addictive and that you should not build up a tolerance to them.

Both benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines enhance the effects of your body's natural tranquilizer, GABA. One problem with benzodiazepines however is that they are not selective in the receptor sites that they target within your brain, targeting not only areas of your brain you wish to shut down for sleep, but also shutting down areas you need while awake. The new non-benzodiazepine drugs, with a different chemical structure, are reputedly far more selective in the receptor cells that they target.

Whether or not these new drugs will work as an insomnia medicine in the longer term of course remains to be seen, but the early signs are encouraging.

Once again though, despite the manner in which many people may chose to use these drugs, they are designed for use in the short-term allowing you get the rest that you need while your body's own natural rhythm has been upset.

In the longer term the aim should be, and has always been, to return to your normal sleep pattern without the aid of drugs.

Sleeping pills certainly can play a role in our lives from time to time for the odd night or two, but the secret to a long-term pattern of deep restive sleep and untroubled dreams certainly doesn't rest in a bottle of sleeping pills.

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How Is Zolpidem Dependence Managed? - Medscape
25 Feb 2010 at 11:54am

How Is Zolpidem Dependence Managed?
Medscape
Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine used to treat short-term insomnia. This agent binds to the gamma-aminobutyric acid-A receptor and has selectivity for ...


 

The information contained here should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and in no way should be considered as an offering of medical advice.