NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Zolpidem

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Selectively targets GABA-A receptors containing the alpha-1 subunit, providing sleep-inducing effects with less muscle relaxation and anticonvulsant activity than benzodiazepines. Associated with complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving). Lower doses recommended for women due to slower clearance. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
12 1997–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 5 mg for women, 5–10 mg for men at bedtime; 6.25–12.5 mg for CR (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 12 sources.

What it's good for
  • Rapid sleep onset1,10
  • Reduced sleep latency1,10
  • Short-term insomnia treatment1,6
  • Less next-day sedation than long-acting agents1,9
What to watch for
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Known hypersensitivity to zolpidem1,2
  • History of complex sleep behaviors after zolpidem use1,10

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: rapid sleep onset, reduced sleep latency, short-term insomnia treatment. 12 sources indexed (1997–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Selectively binds to GABA-A receptors containing the alpha-1 subunit (BZ1 receptor subtype), which mediates sedation and hypnotic effects. This selectivity distinguishes it from benzodiazepines, which bind non-selectively to alpha-1, alpha-2, alpha-3, and alpha-5 GABA-A receptor subtypes.9

Class
Sedative-Hypnotic (Non-Benzodiazepine)
Absorption
Best on an empty stomach
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
5 mg for women, 5–10 mg for men at bedtime; 6.25–12.5 mg for CR (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, sublingual tablet, or oral spray

Take on an empty stomach immediately before bedtime. Food delays absorption and reduces peak plasma levels. Allow at least 7–8 hours before planned awakening. Lower doses recommended for women.3,9

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving)
  • Amnesia
  • Next-day impairment
  • Diarrhea
  • Dependence with prolonged use

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to zolpidem1,2
  • History of complex sleep behaviors after zolpidem use1,10
  • Severe hepatic impairment9
  • Concurrent use with other CNS depressants (use caution)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Randomized controlled trials

1

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Zolpidem, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Zolpidem?

Prescription non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic (Schedule IV controlled substance) approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Selectively targets GABA-A receptors containing the alpha-1 subunit, providing sleep-inducing effects with less muscle relaxation and anticonvulsant activity than benzodiazepines. Associated with complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving). Lower doses recommended for women due to slower clearance. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Zolpidem used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Zolpidem include: Rapid sleep onset; Reduced sleep latency; Short-term insomnia treatment; Less next-day sedation than long-acting agents. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Zolpidem?

A typical adult dose of Zolpidem is 5 mg for women, 5–10 mg for men at bedtime; 6.25–12.5 mg for CR (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, sublingual tablet, or oral spray. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Zolpidem?

Reported side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving), amnesia, next-day impairment. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Zolpidem?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Zolpidem in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.