Drugs On Review

Archive for the ‘Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotic’ Category

What is Stilnox?

Stilnox is a trade name used by Sanofi-Aventis for zolpidem, which is also sold as Ambien, a short-acting hypnotic which is used for the treatment of insomnia. It acts rapidly, usually in fifteen minutes or less and has a half life of two to three hours. Although it is effective in assisting sleep, it does not effectively maintain sleep. It is used for sleep problems including difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening during the night and waking up too early.

Stilnox is a strong hypnotic and a very weak anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant drug. As a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic it is used instead of Valium and Rohypnol. Clinical trials have shown that patients who use it fall asleep more quickly, sleep longer and have higher quality sleep than those who do not.

Stilnox dosing and administration

The standard starting dosage for Stilnox is 10 mg taken immediately before retiring. This dosage should be reduced to 5 mg in older patients, people with liver disease and people taking other drugs that act on the central nervous system. The drug should be taken without food. Because it is very fast acting, it should not be taken until you are ready to sleep.

Common adverse effects from Stilnox

Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, amnesia, hallucinations, delusions, poor motor coordination, euphoria or dysphoria, increased appetite, changes in libido, reduction of inhibitions, impulsivity, headaches and short-term memory loss. Stilnox may exacerbate acid reflux symptoms during sleep by suppressing the swallowing reflex. Rare side effects of Stilnox included sleepwalking, erectile dysfunction, hypertension and constipation.

Stilnox warnings and precautions

Because Stilnox is a powerful hypnotic it should never be taken before driving or using machinery. Stilnox is under investigation in Australia following a number of claims of patients sleepwalking to their death. It may also exacerbate sleep apnea, emphysema and other respiratory disorders. You should advise your doctor if you suffer from any of these of liver or kidney disease, depression, or any kind of addiction or allergy. Stilnox is only intended for short-term use and continued use may lead to tolerance and addiction. If assistance sleeping is required for a longer period you should ask your doctor to prescribe a different medication. Elderly patients are more sensitive to the hypnotic effects of Stilnox and dosage should be reduced. Stilnox has strong potential for medical misuse and for recreational abuse.

Interactions with Stilnox

Stilnox may interact with imipramine, chlorpromazine, alcohol, sertraline, rifampin, flumazenil and other central nervous system medications.

What if I take an accidental overdose of Stilnox?

Symptoms of Stilnox overdose may include excessive sedation, constricted pupils, depressed respiration, coma and death. These are more likely to occur when Stilnox is taken concurrently with alcohol, opiates or other central nervous system depressants. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Stilnox, you should seek urgent medical attention. Stilnox overdose is treated with flumazenil, a benzodiazepine blocker which reverses the effects of the drug rapidly.