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Substance education guide

Zolpidem (Ambien)

Imidazopyridine Hypnotic · Z-Drug · Schedule IV

Representative photo of Zolpidem (Ambien)What it looks like
Image: Freakinout · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Appearance varies; illicit products may look different or be counterfeit.

01 · How it works

Selective GABA-A modulation

Zolpidem is a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors with relative selectivity for the alpha-1 subunit. It is rapidly absorbed, usually peaks within 30 to 90 minutes, and has a short half-life of about 2 to 3 hours.

02 · Immediate effects

Recognize the effects

Signs of Use

  • Marked drowsiness or slowed responses
  • Poor coordination and slurred speech
  • Confusion or unusual nighttime behavior
  • Amnesia for events after taking it
  • Sleep-driving or other complex sleep behavior

Short Term

  • Sleepiness and impaired coordination
  • Anterograde amnesia
  • Disinhibition or dream-like sensations
  • Dizziness, falls, and confusion
  • Respiratory depression when combined with depressants

Long Term

  • Tolerance and dependence
  • Rebound insomnia after stopping
  • Memory and daytime cognitive impairment
  • Falls and injuries, especially in older adults
  • Withdrawal anxiety, tremor, or seizures after abrupt cessation

03 · Long-term consequences

CNS and respiratory depression

Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, sedating antihistamines, and other central nervous system depressants can dangerously intensify sedation and suppress breathing.

Medical emergency

Identifying an emergency

Call 911 for slow or irregular breathing, blue lips, inability to wake, collapse, seizure, or a serious injury during a sleep behavior. Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side and do not induce vomiting.

Never combine zolpidem with alcohol or opioids; take only exactly as prescribed
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