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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Stephanie99 on August 14, 2009, at 0:44:05
In reply to Is Ambien a Benzodiazapine?, posted by fachad on April 8, 2002, at 9:22:22
AMBIEN IS NOT A BENZO!! Medical babble included.
Is it or isn't it? I got so tired of one forum telling me yes, another no so I decided to go to the ambien website (ambien.com) and clicked on the "prescribing information" in tiny letters at the bottom of the page, which is where I found the following:
11 DESCRIPTION
Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class and is available in 5 mg and 10 mg strength tablets for oral administration.
Chemically, zolpidem is N,N,6-trimethyl-2-p-tolylimidazo[1,2-a] pyridine-3-acetamide L-(+)-tartrate (2:1).
Zolpidem tartrate is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. It has a molecular weight of 764.88.
Each Ambien tablet includes the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, micro-crystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide. The 5 mg tablet also contains FD&C Red No. 40, iron oxide colorant, and polysorbate 80.
Here is the link: http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/ambien/ambien.html
There is so much more info there, but I think this tells us that ambien in NOT a benzo!
Hope this helps!
Good Luck
Posted by morganator on August 14, 2009, at 1:22:06
In reply to Re: Is Ambien a Benzodiazapine?, posted by Stephanie99 on August 14, 2009, at 0:44:05
Of course it's not..who said or thought it was?? I guess some people did.
Posted by nolvas on August 14, 2009, at 3:54:34
In reply to Re: Is Ambien a Benzodiazapine?, posted by morganator on August 14, 2009, at 1:22:06
According to wikipedia >
"It is a short-acting nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that potentiates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors at the same location as benzodiazepines.[1] It works quickly (usually within 15 minutes) and has a short half-life (23 hours). Trade names of zolpidem include Adormix, Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Damixan, Hypnogen, Ivedal, Lioran, Nytamel, Sanval, Stilnoct, Stilnox, Stilnox CR, Sucedal, Zoldem, Zolnod and Zolpihexal.[2][3][4][5]"
There are no independent studies regarding this medicine, the studies were paid for by the pharmaceutical company, they say it's not an addictive medication but they would say that. I've read quite a few forums where people can't come off the medication but it's also not that effective for them anymore. Personally I would only try and use it for a short period of time.
Anecdotal evidence, but something to consider all the same >
http://www.steadyhealth.com/Ambien_addiction_symptoms_t101911.html
Posted by nolvas on August 14, 2009, at 3:59:38
In reply to Re: Is Ambien a Benzodiazapine?, posted by nolvas on August 14, 2009, at 3:54:34
One thing I forgot to mention was http://www.myselfhelp.com/
I used that to change my behaviour and learn about sleep, it changed everything for me and it also helps you to not rely on any medication for sleep. Use sleep medication short term if you really can and get signed up on that Insomnia course. It was free when I signed up in March of this year even though there was a $19.95 fee shown on the site. It educates you about sleep and changes your thoughts and behaviours regarding sleep using the very well researched cognitive behaviour therapy. This is a 6 week course and probably the best investment of your time you could hope for in changing your life by getting better sleep. Hopefully the insomnia course is still free, even if it isn't $19 isn't too much to pay I think.
Posted by SLS on August 14, 2009, at 6:35:57
In reply to Re: Is Ambien a Benzodiazapine?, posted by Stephanie99 on August 14, 2009, at 0:44:05
Classical benzodiazepine hypnotics interact with comparable affinity with all GABA-A receptor subtypes. Ambien (zolpidem) does not have a benzodiazepine molecular structure. However, it does bind to a subtype of benzodiazepine receptor (alpha1-GABA-A). It is this selectivity that allows Ambien to behave as a hypnotic but not an anxiolytic.
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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