Zolpidem

Zolpidem is a hypnotic nonbenzodiazepine drug of the imidazopyridine class. This class of drugs is named for having an imidazole constituent, a five-membered ring with two non-adjacent nitrogen constituents fused to a pyridine ring, a six-membered nitrogenous ring which shares a nitrogen with the imidazole group.

GABA_A-agonizing imidazopyridines such as zolpidem are often grouped with pyrazolopyrimidines, and cyclopyrrones under the label "nonbenzodiazepines" for their similar effects.

Three syntheses of zolpidem are common. 4-methylacetophenone is used as a common precursor. This is brominated and reacted with 2-amino-5-methylpyridine to give the imidazopyridine. From here the reactions use a variety of reagents to complete the synthesis, either involving thionyl chloride or sodium cyanide. These reagents are challenging to handle and require thorough safety assessments.^[4] Though such safety procedures are common in industry, they make clandestine manufacture difficult.

A number of major side-products of the sodium cyanide reaction have been characterised and include dimers and mannich products.^[5]

Zolpidem interacts with the GABA-BZ receptor system^[6] and shares some of the pharmacological properties of traditional benzodiazepines.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, which non-selectively bind to and activate all BZ receptor subtypes among others, zolpidem binds to the BZ1 receptor preferentially with a high affinity ratio of the α1/α5 subunits. It's this selective binding in comparison to traditional benzodiazepines that gives zolpidem very weak anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties but very strong hypnotic or sedative properties.^[7]

As the GABA site is the most prolific inhibitory receptor set within the brain, its modulation results in the sedating (or calming) effects of zolpidem on the nervous system.

In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre hallucinations, the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied. It is worth noting, however, that zolpidem may share similar mechanisms as a GABA_A receptor agonist to that of muscimol, which is the active compound within the hallucinogenic amanita muscaria mushroom.

The subjective effects of zolpidem seem to vary wildly between individuals with certain users experiencing a complete lack of hallucinations whilst others experience them even at lower dosages. Generally, a recreational zolpidem dose has features comparable to DXM, DPH, alprazolam and psilocin. It is also quite similar to the hallucinogen amanita muscaria.

It contains many of the physical and cognitive effects of benzodiazepines with a moderately dissociated headspace most similar to that of DXM. This occurs alongside bizarre thought patterns and external hallucinations similar to those of deliriants and visual distortions most similar to those of psychedelics. Overall, this makes zolpidem an extremely unique and unpredictable hallucinogen which it is strongly recommended to have a trip sitter.

Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWiki contributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.

It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.

Experience reports

Anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index include:

• Experience:40mg Zolpidem / 20mg Diazepam - Please Don't Do This
• Experience:60mg Zolpidem - A Delirious Adventure

Additional experience reports can be found here:

• Erowid Experience Vaults: Zolpidem

Zolpidem has a low toxicity relative to dose.^[11] However, it is potentially lethal when mixed with depressants like alcohol or opioids.

Zolpidem has been reported to cause psychosis, delusions and delirium at a significantly higher rate than other hallucinogens like LSD, ketamine, or DMT. There are a large number of experience reports online which describe states of delirium, amnesia, bizarre behavior,^[12] sleep walking,^[13] driving while impaired^[13][14] and other serious consequences after abusing the drug. In many cases this has resulted in hospitalization, arrests,^[15] car crashes,^[16] lengthy court cases and even death.^[17]

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices and have a trip sitter when using this drug.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Zolpidem is moderately addictive. A review of 36 human case reports found that reported dependence to zolpidem was lower than that of benzodiazepines.^[18]

Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.^[19] For more information on tapering from zolpidem in a controlled manner, please see this guide while keeping in mind it is intended for benzodiazepines.

Although dependence builds up more slowly than in benzodiazepines, discontinuation from regular recreational doses of zolpidem appear to be as difficult as benzodiazepine discontinuation;^[19] it is potentially life-threatening for individuals using regularly to discontinue use without tapering their dose over a period of weeks. There is an increased risk of hypertension, seizures, and death.^[20] Drugs which lower the seizure threshold such as tramadol should be avoided during withdrawal.

Dangerous interactions

Although many drugs are safe on their own, they can become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with other substances. The list below contains some common potentially dangerous combinations, but may not include all of them. Certain combinations may be safe in low doses of each but still increase the potential risk of death. Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.

• Depressants (1,4-Butanediol, 2-methyl-2-butanol, alcohol, barbiturates, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, opioids, benzodiazepines)- This combination can result in dangerous or even fatal levels of respiratory depression. These substances potentiate the muscle relaxation, sedation and amnesia caused by one another and can lead to unexpected loss of consciousness at high doses. There is also an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
• Dissociatives - This combination can result in an increased risk of vomiting during unconsciousness and death from the resulting suffocation. If this occurs, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
• Stimulants - It is dangerous to combine zolpidem with stimulants due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants decrease the sedative effect of zolpidem, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of zolpidem will be significantly increased, leading to intensified disinhibition as well as other effects. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of zolpidem every few hours at minimum. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.

Internationally, zolpidem is a Schedule IV substance under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.^[21]

• Australia: Zolpidem is only available by prescription.^{[citation needed]}
• Canada: Zolpidem is only available by prescription.^{[citation needed]}
• China: Zolpidem is a controlled Class II psychotropic substances.^[22] Prescriptions for psychotropic substances in Class II are generally limited to a 7-day supply.^[23]
• Germany: Zolpidem is a controlled substance under Anlage III of the BtMG. It can only be prescribed on a narcotic prescription form. There is an exception for oral preperations, containing up to 8,5mg zolpidem per unit, which can be prescribed on a regular prescription form.^[24]
• Netherlands: Zolpidem is only available by prescription.^{[citation needed]}
• Russia: In Russia, since 2013, zolpidem is a Schedule III controlled substance.^[25]
• Switzerland: Zolpidem is a controlled substance specifically named under Verzeichnis B. Medicinal use is permitted.^[26]
• The Netherlands: Zolpidem is a List 2 substance of the Opium Law.^[27]
• United Kingdom: Zolpidem has been a class C drug in the UK since 2003.^[28] It is illegal to possess (without a legitimate prescription), supply, produce or import.^{[citation needed]}
• United States: Zolpidem is listed as a Schedule IV drug due to evidence that the drug has addictive properties similar to benzodiazepines.^{[citation needed]}

• Responsible use
• Hallucinogens
• Deliriants
• Zopiclone

• Zolpidem (Wikipedia)
• Zolpidem (Erowid Vault)
• Zolpidem (Isomer Design)
• Zolpidem (DrugBank)
• Zolpidem (Drugs.com)
• The Ambien Walrus Collection