Question

Insomnia can be difficult to treat. There are many medications that we use to help patients fall and stay asleep. Identify one medication used for insomnia (on-label, off-label, or complementary) and address the following in your initial post:

1. Name of drug (generic and brand name).
2. Is it on- or off-label for insomnia?
3. How does the medication work, including at the synapse?
4. Describe appropriate dosing. What is the starting dose? What are the taper up and taper off instructions?
5. What contraindications are there?
6. Why is your chosen drug a good choice for the treatment of insomnia?
7. Describe the type of education you would provide to a patient starting on your chosen drug.
8. Identify one research or evidence-based practice article to support your responses and include the citation (with a link if available).

Answer 1

1. Zolpidem (ambien)

2.on label

3.Ambien works by activating the neurotransmitter GABA and binding it to the GABA receptors in the same location as the benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium. The extra GABA activity triggered by the drug inhibits the neuron activity that is associated with insomnia. In other words, it slows down the brain.

4.The recommended initial dose is 5 mg for women and either 5 or 10 mg for men, taken only once per night immediately before bedtime with at least 7–8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.

When a person becomes dependent on Ambien and stops taking it, they may be unable to sleep. This is known as “rebound insomnia,” a withdrawal symptom in which the inability to sleep returns, often worse than before.

Ambien dosage is gradually decreased, or tapered,over time. After tapering down slowly, you can stop taking Ambien with minimal risk of experiencing potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

5.Zolpidem should not be taken by people with obstructive sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis, severe liver disease, respiratory depression; or by children, or people with psychotic illnesses. It should not be taken by people who are or have been addicted to other substances.

6.It helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, so you can get a better night's sleep. It may also reduce the number of times you wake up during the night . Also easily available.

7. You should not use zolpidem if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don't remember. Zolpidem tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.   
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and call your doctor right away.
Never use zolpidem in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

8.WWW.drugs.com