Why Is Zolpidem Contraindicated In The Elderly?

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of zolpidem in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine (eg, confusion, dizziness, and falling) than younger adults.

Is zolpidem safe for the elderly?

The Meds Cause Dangerous Side Effects Because of these dangers, the American Geriatric Society includes the more potent prescription sleep drugs—eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien)—on its list of medications that adults age 65 and older should avoid.

Why is Ambien not recommended for older adults?

Seniors are likely to be more sensitive to the drugs ‘ effects than younger adults. And these drugs may stay in their bodies longer. The drugs can cause confusion and memory problems that: More than double the risk of falls and hip fractures.

Is Ambien OK for elderly?

Conclusion: Our findings in a real-world clinical setting suggest that low-dose zolpidem can be safely prescribed to subjects 80 years of age or older without cognitive or mental complications.

Who should not use zolpidem?

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. Zolpidem is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Why is zolpidem a high risk medication?

zolpidem tartrate and other non-benzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., Ambien®, Lunesta®, zaleplon, etc.) May induce strong anticholinergic effects, cognitive impairment and delirium in the elderly. 7 Hydroxyzine may cause confusion and oversedation,9 which increases the patient’s fall risk.

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Why is zolpidem so bad for you?

Although Ambien is classified as a sedative, this drug can give the user a rush of energy and euphoria when it is abused at high doses. However, misusing this drug can result in extreme drowsiness, confusion, and clumsiness, all of which increase the risk of falls, fractures, and other accidental injuries.

What is the drug you will give for a elderly patient with difficulty sleeping?

Temazepam is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine for insomnia. Therefore, based on current utilization patterns, the following section will review pertinent data on temazepam, trazodone, zolpidem, and the newest nonbenzodiazepine—zaleplon—for the treatment of insomnia in elderly patients.

What are the contraindications of Ambien?

Who should not take AMBIEN?

  • confusion.
  • suicidal thoughts.
  • alcohol intoxication.
  • drug abuse.
  • depression.
  • aggressive behavior.
  • attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.
  • myasthenia gravis, a skeletal muscle disorder.

What is a safe sleep aid for seniors?

In the elderly, nonbenzodiazepines such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon are safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Pharmacotherapy should be recommended only after sleep hygiene is addressed, however.

What is the best treatment for insomnia in older adults?

The choice of a hypnotic agent in the elderly is symptom-based. Ramelteon or short-acting Z-drugs can treat sleep-onset insomnia. Suvorexant or low-dose doxepin can improve sleep maintenance. Eszopiclone or zolpidem extended release can be utilized for both sleep onset and sleep maintenance.

What is the best OTC sleep aid for seniors?

Sleep aids: The options

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine.
  • Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.
  • Melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • Valerian.
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Does zolpidem cause dementia?

In conclusion, zolpidem use might be associated with an increased risk for dementia in the elderly population. An increased accumulative dose might result in a significantly higher risk to develop dementia in patients with underlying diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.

What can you not take with zolpidem?

A product that may interact with this drug is: sodium oxybate. Other medications can affect the removal of zolpidem from your body, which may affect how zolpidem works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), rifampin, St. John’s Wort, among others.

Can zolpidem cause heart problems?

Zolpidem users have a tendency for decreased risk of heart disease (OR/RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.92), but BZD use showed the possibility of increased risk of or mortality from heart disease (OR/RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.77 to 1.84).

How many mg of zolpidem is safe?

Adults— 5 milligrams (mg) for women and 5 or 10 mg for men once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, do not take more than 10 mg per day. Take only 1 dose a night as needed.

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