What is sodium oxybate (Xyrem), and how does it work? Limitations of Use Xyrem may only be dispensed to patients enrolled in the Xyrem Success Program Cataplexy in Narcolepsy Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy in narcolepsy. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Narcolepsy Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated...
What is modafinil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Modafinil is an oral drug that is used for improving wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness. It is similar to armodafinil (Nuvigil). Like amphetamines, modafinil promotes wakefulness by stimulatIng the brain. The exact mechanism of action of modafinil is unknown. It may work by...
Generic drug: tasimelteon Brand name: Hetlioz LQ Hetlioz LQ (tasimelteon) is a melatonin receptor agonist used for the treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24). What are the side effects of Hetlioz? Common side effects of Hetlioz include: headache, elevated liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, or ALT) in the blood, nightmares or abnormal dreams, disturbed night’s sleep, drowsiness, upper...
What is Intermezzo? What is zolpidem used for? Intermezzo contains a low dose of zolpidem, the same active ingredient in Ambien. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of sedatives called benzodiazepines which includes diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anticonvulsants...
What is Hetlioz (tasimelteon)? Hetlioz is indicated for the treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24). The precise mechanism by which tasimelteon exerts its therapeutic effect in patients with Non24 is not known. Tasimelteon is an agonist at melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. These receptors are thought to be involved in the control of circadian rhythms....
Clonazepam vs. Ambien: What’s the difference? Clonazepam and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Clonazepam is primarily used for treating panic disorder and preventing certain types of seizures, treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and providing short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. A brand name for clonazepam is Klonopin. Clonazepam and Ambien belong to different drug classes. Clonazepam...
What is eszopiclone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine, oral, sedative drug ("sleeping pill") that is used for treating insomnia. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 million Americans suffer from insomnia. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, awakening frequently during the night, waking up...
Facts on Benzodiazepines vs. Ambien Benzodiazepines and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat seizures, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Benzodiazepines are a drug class of central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness. Ambien belongs to...
What is Dayvigo, and how does it work? Dayvigo is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia). It is not known if Dayvigo is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years. Dayvigo is a federally controlled substance (CIV) because it can be abused or cause...
What is armodafinil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Armodafinil is an oral drug that is used to promote wakefulness. It is similar to modafinil (Provigil). Like amphetamines, armodafinil promotes wakefulness by stimuatIng the brain; however, the exact mechanism of action of armodafinil is unknown. Armodafinil may work by increasing the amount of...