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Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is a sedative-hypnotic prescribed to people for short-term treatment of insomnia. It is classed in two ways; as a non-benzodiazepine, and as part of the imidazopyridine class of drugs. In short this means that its effects are similar to benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium, even though it is not chemically related these drugs.
The FDA currently lists Ambien as a Schedule IV drug, meaning it is considered to have a relatively low potential for abuse and can lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. Ambien shares space on this list with benzodiazepines.
Ambien is dispensed in 5mg and 10mg oral tablets. Ambien CR is an extended release version of the drug, dispensed in 6.25 mg and 12.5mg oral tablets. In 2007 the patent on Ambien expired making it possible for patients to be prescribed an inexpensive generic version of the medication, referred to simply as Zolpidem.
Currently Ambien is the most prescribed sleep aid in the United States, leading to its increased availability on the black market. According to a report by Dr. Kim Mulvihill, Ambien addiction and abuse among teenagers is on the rise. Teens are abusing Ambien, sometimes in combination with alcohol, and Dr. Mulvihill notes that Ambien can be used as a date-rape drug, further increasing the concerns and dangers associated with Ambien Addiction.
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