The drug Stilnox® contains the active ingredient zolpidem. Zolpidem has a similar effect to benzodiazepines. It belongs to the group of so-called GABA agonists, i.e. it stimulates the GABA receptors in the brain, which mediate attenuating processes.
Stilnox® thus promotes sleep. Its half-life is about two to three hours. The active ingredient zolpidem is currently the most frequently prescribed sleeping pill in Germany. Stilnox® is available only on prescription.
Fields of application
Stilnox® is used for the treatment of severe sleep disorders, especially severe difficulties in falling and staying asleep, as well as very early morning awakening. Stilnox® is not used for mild sleep disorders, as there is a certain potential for addiction and this does not justify its use when the patient is only slightly impaired.
Contraindication
Stilnox® must not be used in cases of myasthenia gravis (pathological muscle weakness), severe breathing problems (respiratory insufficiency), sleep apnoea syndrome (nocturnal breathing stops), severe liver dysfunction, intolerance to substances contained in Stilnox®, and lactose allergy (lactose intolerance). In the case of depression or other psychiatric disorders, Stilnox® may only be taken in close consultation with the treating physician.
Children and teenagers
Children and adolescents under 18 years of age must not take Stilnox®, as clinical experience for this age group has not been sufficiently established.
Pregnancy and lactation
Stilnox® must not be taken during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn child. Nor should Stilnox® be used during breastfeeding, as the drug passes into breast milk and can therefore be transferred to the child.
Dosage
Adults take one film-coated tablet (10mg) of Stilnox® daily shortly before bedtime with sufficient liquid. In older patients over 65 years of age, the dosage should be halved so that they only take half a tablet of Stilnox® daily. The same applies to people with mild liver dysfunction.
For certain diseases, such as respiratory, kidney and liver failure, an individual dose adjustment must be made. This is decided by the doctor treating the patient. In general, the use of Stilnox® should be limited to a period of a few days. Under no circumstances, however, should the application exceed four weeks, as the risk of dependence is very high.
