Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics are also known by “Z-drugs,” “A-minus,” and “no-go pills.” The class of drug is sedative-hypnotic and is a medical Schedule IV controlled substance. Sedative-hypnotic drugs are typically used for short-term treatment of insomnia.

The most common route of administration is oral tablets, but some medications offer oral spray, sublingual tablet, and intravenous (IV) administration. Onset of action is extremely quick; however, the extended-release (ER) oral tablets might take double the time of the immediate-release (IR) forms. The peak efficacy is an hour after administration, and the half-life is about 90 minutes after. Bioavailability in sedative-hypnotics is somewhat high, but some brands (like Sonata) have lower bioavailability (30%). The most used nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic-sedative medications, like Zolpidem, have a bioavailability of 65–70%, and the Eszopiclone oral pill has 75–80% bioavailability.

The oral administration is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, reaching the stomach first. Evidence has shown that eating high-fat meals before or with taking sedative-hypnotics might delay the onset of the medication.

A primary brain region impacted by nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics is the limbic system. The thalamus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) are most impacted. Most of these regions work together before or during sleep.

The primary neurotransmitter affected is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), important in relaxation. It blocks signals in the central nervous system (CNS), which makes it an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics are agonist drugs that bind to GABA-A α-1 receptors, enhancing the effects of GABA. Downstream effects include CNS impairment, depressing brain activity like memory loss, and gastrointestinal issues.

Common psychological effects reported by users are confusion, lapses in memory, and mood changes. Mood changes can be depression, hostility, anxiousness, suicidal thoughts, or visual and auditory hallucinations. Users also report changes in perception and cognitive abilities the day following administration of the medication. These subjective effects are reported to be heightened when individuals take high doses of the medication.

Enhanced effects of the medication are reported in geriatric individuals, which might heighten the risk of falls and delirium. Gender differences are present as well, with increased drug presence in blood levels in female patients.

Behavioral effects can take place during the night and the following day. Effects can be changes in impulse control, motor control, parasomnia, or complex sleep behavior. Complex sleep behavior (CSB) involves actions or activities while a person is asleep, such as walking, phone usage, cooking, eating, talking, and operation of heavy machinery. The next-day impairment of cognitive functions directly affects motor functioning, reaction time, and blurred vision. Mood changes, motivation changes, increased irritability, and compulsive behaviors are also possible.

There has also been evidence of increased respiratory depression and gastrointestinal issues, including an increased risk of renal failure in patients with existing renal issues.

There has been evidence of tolerance developing over prolonged use and high dosage. Signs of withdrawal might include delirium, headaches, dysphoria, cramping, fatigue, or vomiting. The regions in the brain affected by hypnotic-sedative drugs become accustomed to higher levels of GABA. Without the sedating mechanism of action provided by the drug, there can be an excess of neural activity.

Evidence of side effects can be seen as soon as the next day after taking, which can include cognitive impairment, double or blurry vision, dizziness, amnesia, and complex sleep behaviors. Long-term health risks can range from memory loss leading to dementia like Alzheimer’s, severe insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Overdose can cause severe CNS impairment and depression, coma, cardiovascular issues, and death. Interactions with other CNS depressants like opioids and alcohol can increase the likelihood of cognitive and motor function impairment. Specific drugs like Rifampin and St. John’s Wort can decrease the efficiency of the drug, while drugs like Ketoconazole can increase the efficiency of the drug.

The FDA heavily regulates sedative-hypnotics in an attempt to prevent overuse, in hopes of avoiding abuse, addiction, and death.

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