The first three nonbenzodiazepine drugs to enter the market were the "Z-drugs", zopiclone, zolpidem and zaleplon. These three drugs are all sedatives used exclusively for the treatment of mild insomnia.

Mar 6, 2024 · Prescription Z-drugs work by slowing activity in the brain. Used properly, they can help you sleep. Quality sleep can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. But the...

Oct 23, 2022 · Z-drugs, otherwise known as benzodiazepine receptor agonists, are used to help patients with insomnia that is associated with difficulty falling asleep (sleep latency), difficulty staying asleep (sleep maintenance), or not feeling rested after a night’s sleep (sleep quality).

Sep 13, 2023 · Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien), are non-benzodiazepines that start with the letter “Z.” Truth be told, these substances are more notable because they’re often taken to treat insomnia — in other words, to catch some Zs (sleep).

The Z-drugs are typically prescribed for insomnia. In addition to carrying the same risks of physiological dependence and protracted withdrawal as benzodiazepines, these drugs have been shown to cause bizarre or dangerous sleep behavior, such as driving or cooking while asleep.

Doctors may prescribe a group of drugs commonly called Z drugs for acute insomnia. These medicines can help you fall asleep faster and/or stay asleep longer. But they also carry risks that are important to know about. 2. How do Z drugs work? Z drugs are a type of medicine called sedative-hypnotics.

Jul 1, 2017 · Understanding the risks and benefits of insomnia medications is critical. Controlled-release melatonin and doxepin are recommended as first-line agents in older adults; the so-called z-drugs...

Over the past few years, literature has emerged raising a tentative link between benzodiazepine and/or Z-drug exposure with adverse outcomes such as respiratory disease exacerbation, infections, dementia, pancreatitis, and cancer.

Nov 17, 2022 · If you take a benzodiazepine or Z drug regularly, the helpful effect on easing anxiety or in helping sleep usually lasts for a few weeks. However, after a few weeks, the body and brain often become used to the benzodiazepine or Z drug.

There are three major classes of z-drugs: imidazopyridine, pyrazolopyrimidine, and cyclopyrrolone. Although structurally unrelated to each other and to benzodiazepines, each has some affinity for the alpha-1 subunit of GABA-A receptors, which are concentrated in the thalamus, cortex, and cerebellum.