Zolpidem: use, indications, price and side effects

George Alvarez 24-07-2023
George Alvarez

Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug, i.e., it acts on the central nervous system, functioning as a sedative that facilitates sleep. Thus, the zolpidem help in treatment of insomnia and reduces night awakenings .

According to the package insert, zolpidem works by acting on the sleep centers located in the brain, helping those who cannot sleep or stay asleep for as long as the body needs.

Zolpidem is for anxiety

Zolpidem is indicated by doctors for a short-term treatment of insomnia, which occurs occasionally, transiently, or chronically Thus, zolpidem is not for anxiety, because its purpose is different from that expected from anxiolytic drugs.

Zolpidem is often used as an adjunct in the treatment of illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders, but it cannot be used primarily for the treatment of these illnesses, as it can even hinder healing, such as by masking their symptoms.

Prescription for Zolpidem

First of all, zolpidem is a drug under special control, what we call a controlled drug. sold on prescription .

Anyway, we verified in researches of medical articles, it is a safe medicine, but it needs to be taken according to the recommendations. That is, after taking the medicine, take precautions such as:

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  • take and go to sleep, that is, take and go straight to bed;
  • Ingest only in the evening, just before your bedtime;
  • not stare at the cell phone or computer;
  • no way, get out of the car;
  • do not drink alcoholic beverages.

In short, zolpidem must be taken orally and, as we have said, it takes effect in the body quickly, and less than 30 minutes. That is why it is important to be ingested as soon as you rest in bed In general, the medical recommendation is 1 pill of 5 or 10 mg.

Zolpidem side effects

The two main effects, as described in the Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) package insert, are sleepwalking and anterograde amnesia, popularly known as "blackout.

In addition, there are other side effects that can occur, such as:

  • hallucinations;
  • nightmares;
  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • vomiting and nausea;
  • abdominal pain;
  • back pain;
  • tiredness and fatigue;
  • dry mouth.

Even more, it is common for the person to talk, shop, talk on the phone, eat meals, send messages, have sexual acts, without remembering anything the next day, as if it had not happened. But be aware that this does not mean that all patients will suffer from these side effects, it all depends on how each person's body responds .

Doctors recommend that before ingesting the medication, you should tell the people in your household, such as your partner. Since the zolpidem has a rapid effect on the body, acting about 30 minutes after its ingestion. It is therefore important to inform people of the possible side effects.

Is Zolpidem fattening?

Fattening is not among the side effects of the drug, i.e., there is no reference to getting fat, nor to losing weight.

However, as described earlier, during the sleepwalking effect, the person may eat compulsively, without remembering the next day.

Is Zolpidem addictive?

Yes, if the drug is to be used in a prolonged form. Therefore, it is worth remembering that this medication is not a treatment against insomnia, and the recommendation is that it should not be used for more than four weeks, as described in the drug's own package insert.

In this sense, it is important to emphasize that this drug should only be taken under medical prescription. Besides being possible to buy it through a special control prescription, the doctor, preferably a psychiatrist, will indicate the correct dosage for each specific patient.

Contraindications of the drug

As with every medication, there are contraindications, according to physiological conditions of the person In the case of zolpidem, There must not be ingestion by people with allergy to the active substances of the drug, to the components of its formula.

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It is also contraindicated for those who have sleep apnea, respiratory insufficiency, or liver insufficiency. It is also contraindicated for those under 18 years of age, those who are chemically dependent, or have been, on drugs or alcohol, and pregnant women should not use the drug.

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Finally, for the elderly its use must be with caution, even the package insert describes that the dosage cannot exceed 10 mg per day, since those over 65 have a greater propensity for adverse reactions.

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Zolpidem price

As with all medicines, the price of the medicine varies according to laboratories and the number of pills in the box, and also according to the state of sale. For example, you will find the medicine in the state of Minas Gerais is lower than in the state of São Paulo.

Above all, the approximate values in the medicine, in Brazil In research, we verified the prices in pharmacies throughout Brazil, and the average prices: in MG from R$ 23.18 to R$ 52.51, SP from R$ 29.49 to R$ 49.08, BA from R$ 11.40 to R$ 49.00 and RS from R$ 22.99 to R$ 61.89.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that all medications that treat the mind, in whatever form, must be prescribed by a physician, preferably a psychiatrist, who will know the appropriate treatment for the psychiatric disorder.

Can therapy help with sleep?

However, it is important to point out that treatment through therapies can also be of great help in the healing process of mental illness For example, psychoanalytic therapy sessions, being an analytical method that, by means of specific techniques, finds the causes of mental illnesses, based on Freud's theories.

If you want to know more about this subject, we invite you to get to know our Training Course in Clinical Psychoanalysis, which will help you improve your self-knowledge, since the experience of psychoanalysis is capable of providing the student and the patient/client with visions about themselves that would be practically impossible to obtain on their own.

In addition, you will also improve your interpersonal relationships, because you will understand how the mind works, and thus be able to provide a better relationship with family and work members. The course is a tool that helps the student to understand other people's thoughts, feelings, emotions, pains, desires, and motivations.

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George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.