PEBC: What You Need to Know: Z-Drug Hypnotics

Examples: zopiclone, eszopiclone, zolpidem

Indication: insomnia

Dosing:

-30 to 60 minutes before bedtime

-dose reduction may be required for patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and elderly/kidney/liver issues

-zolpidem is under the tongue

Adverse Effects:

-Dry mouth, bitter taste

-next-day impairment (difficulty waking)

-wait 12 hours before driving or operating heavy machinery

-complex sleeping behaviours (sleep walking)

-dependence if taken for a long time

-contraindicated in severe breathing issues

Drug Interactions:

-CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase levels of z-drugs

-careful when combined with other CNS depressants due to additive effect