Ambien, a brand of zolpidem tartrate, is a central nervous system depressant prescribed for sleep disorders. Ambien and Ambien CR hypnotics affect GABA receptors in the brain, which are responsible for inhibiting muscle movement and cause sedation. Zolpidem tartrate is an anticonvulsant and diminishes symptoms of anxiety, according to the Daily Med website. Ambien products act in response to the sensorimotor portion of the brain to maintain deep sleep and reduce neural impulses to the muscles of the body.
Types
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic that releases into the bloodstream within 30 minutes of ingestion. Ambien, zolpidem tartrate has a rapid absorption rate, obtaining peak performance within two and half hours and maintains in the body for six to eight hours, describes the Merck Manuals of drug information. Ambien CR, also a sedative-hypnotic, releases into the bloodstream within 20 minutes of ingestion when taken with food. It obtains peak performance within one and half hours and maintains continued performance for 17 hours, according to manufacturer, Sanofi Aventis.
Considerations
Ambien treats symptoms of sleeplessness and insomnia as a sedative hypnotic. Ambien reaches its peak performance with a greater absorption rate when taken with food. Ambien also decreases symptoms of anxiety as a secondary effect. Generic zolpidem tartrate is listed under other labels but is not available an extended release or sublingual tablet, notes the Merck Manuals. Ambien CR is a coated two-layer pill that releases a portion of the medication immediately and releases the second layer at a reduced rate to ensure a constant level of zolpidem tartrate, according to RX List.com. During Food and Drug Administration clinical trials, notes RX List.com, Ambien CR had a greater absorption rate when taken with food. In addition, the continuous release formula did not accumulate in the body beyond its prescribed dosage with regular use.
Chemical Formulation
Ambien chemical formulation is categorized as hypnotics. This type of drug is prescribed for deep, unconscious sleep. Hypnotics affect gama-amniobutyric acid or GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the actions of the central nervous system. The central nervous system controls the sensorimotor activities of the body. Ambien products effectively inhibit movement, decrease respiration, and reduce muscle movement to ensure a deep state of rest for the body, according to its manufacturer. The generic Zolpidem tartrate regular and continuous release consists of a white powder that includes inactive ingredients that provide form, color and digestibility to the medication. Ambien is prescribed to induce sleep; however, Ambien CR, according to the manufacturer website PDF, is prescribed to maintain sleep and unlike Ambien, can be prescribed for up to 24 weeks.
Effects
According to the Merck Manuals, the purpose of Ambien is to induce sleep. Ambien CR additionally provides sleep maintenance and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety. Ambien and Ambien CR inhibit sensorimotor activity of the central nervous system. Common herbal remedies for depression and anxiety such as St. John's wort, valerian root, kava kava, and gotu kola can increase the sedative effects of Ambien and Ambien CR. The manufacturer, Sanofi Aventis advises that patients be prepared to sleep for six to eight hours prior to ingestion of Ambien products because they induce deep, almost immediate sleep.
Expert Insight
Physicians can prescribe Ambien products for some brain disorders, according to High Beam Research.com. A study from the Southern Medical Association of 2007, written in the Southern Medical Journal in August 2004, describes the efficacy of Ambien for severe muscle rigidity with muscle spasticity from brain damage. A cardiac arrest of a 28-year-old patient resulted in temporary brain dysfunction. Zolpidem decreased his muscle rigidity and improved overall performance over four years. The researchers note that insufficient evidence exists to prove the efficacy of Ambien for muscle rigidity and spasticity in general populations.
