Stilnox is the brand name for the insomnia medication zolpidem. Imidazopyridine is a GABA receptor antagonist that slows down the activity of the brain. Non-benzodiazepines are imidazopyridine-class drugs. A completely different class of drugs with the same advantages, disadvantages, and risks as benzodiazepines. As a result, its effects are similar to those of benzodiazepines. Stilnox addiction may necessitate treatment because it, like benzodiazepines, is habit-forming. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 48% of South Africans tha suffer from insomnia on occasion, while 22% have sleep problems almost every night. Women and the elderly are more likely to be widowed or divorced. Depression is more likely in these people than in those who do not have sleep problems.
Stilnox is the brand name given to Zolpidem which is a benzodiazepine prescription. Stilnox is also sold under the names Ivedal and Zolpihexal in South Africa as a prescription medication often taken to treat for many insomnia, sleep initiation related conditions.
Facts on insomnia, sleep initiation medications
Stilnox is prescribed as a schedule 5 controlled substance classed as benzodiazepine used for insomnia, sleep initiation. This high scheduling in South Africa means that any medical doctors prescribing or dispensing benzodiazepines like (Stilnox, Ivedal and Zolpihexal) which contain Zolpidem must keep a national register of prescriptions as it is highly controlled substance by legislation.
The reason for scheduling Zolpidem, Ivedal and Zolpihexal and other benzodiazepines is due to the fact that psychotropic medications like Stilnox affect on the chemical composition of the brain and nervous system and are capable of affecting your mind, emotions and your behaviours.
Psychoactive compounds like Zolpidem can become addictive (even if used as directed) and may limit your cognitive functioning. Thus, Stilnox must only be administered as directed by your medical doctor.
Using Stilnox with other drugs or alcohol has a significant potential to cause chain reactions that increase the chance of an overdose or even death.
What does Stilnox do?
Stilnox attaches to benzodiazepine receptors in your brain and nervous system. This boosts the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) chemicals. This can produce a calming effect. Zolpidem is an intermediate-acting depressant and it can be provided as hypnotic medication.
Seeing as how the function of Stilnox suppresses your body nervous system and you are able to enter a more relaxed state of being. This de-activated state becomes the main motivation for the overuse of Stilnox for many individuals that struggle with underlying or ongoing states of anxiety and stress inside their day to day life that are the root causation of insomnia, sleep initiation conditions.
Unfortunately, it won’t take your body long to figure out that Stilnox, Ivedal and Zolpihexal will work for diminishing much insomnia, sleep initiation symptoms. For this reason, many people get addicted to Stilnox even using it as directed by your doctor. The tolerance to and withdrawal from Zolpidem establishes itself relatively rapidly and in so doing the compulsion to increase the recommended dosage.
Stilnox is used to help treat insomnia, sleep initiation
Many patients that struggle with insomnia, sleep initiation can find short to medium term relief in Zolpidem (Stilnox, Ivedal and Zolpihexal) prescriptions. In most scenarios, benzodiazepines like Stilnox are a temporary solution that should be employed in conjunction with psychotherapy and changes to your lifestyle to best manage the underlying causes of insomnia, sleep initiation conditions. This most often includes longer-term adjustments to your diet, sleep and mental health.
Stilnox is taken orally in a suspension or tablet form. Most benzodiazepines are available in two options, immediate-release and extended-release. In many cases, Stilnox will remain in your body for as much as 10 days or 5 “half-lives” to metabolise Zolpidem from the body. Short-acting benzodiazepines maintain a short half-life meaning that they are processed more quickly and leave your body more quickly. Conversely, long-acting benzodiazepines take longer to be metabolised by the body.
Stilnox Withdrawal and Detox
Even when used as suggested, Stilnox can cause psychological or physical dependence/addiction. Once the addiction cycle begins, your body will need to keep taking Stilnox to prevent the withdrawal symptoms. Stilnox can have a potentially dangerous withdrawal so you should never try to go “cold turkey” and should seek the advice of a professional before attempting to withdrawal from Stilnox. Depending on how much Stilnox you have been taking, an abrupt withdrawal can spark a coma, seizure, and other potentially fatal scenarios.
South Africa’s leading mental wellness centre
Recovery Direct (Johannesburg) is a market-leading exclusive treatment centre that uses on specialised talk therapy in a highly confidential and specialised care environment.
Treatment for the withdrawal of benzodiazepines like Zolpidem may require specialised care. The underlying drivers of many addictive behaviours can be traced back to psychological events in your life. Our therapists help by understanding your unique needs and then helping you to develop and navigate the right tools to move forward from where you are now to where you want to be.
