Zolpidem

Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotic ('Z-Drug')

Drug Class: Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotic ('Z-Drug')
Mechanism of Action (MOA): Selective agonist at the BZ1 (α1) subunit of the GABA-A receptor → sedation.
Black Box Warning: Complex sleep behaviors (sleep-driving, sleep-walking, other activities while not fully awake) have caused serious injury and death — contraindicated after any such prior episode.
Clinical Notes: Short-term insomnia. Complex sleep behaviors (sleep-driving/eating); next-day impairment (lower dose in women); dependence.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed)

Sources

Reviewed June 2026

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