Practical tips on using hypnotics: the Z drugs

Zolpidem (Ambien®, Ambien CR®, Edluar®, Zolpimist®), zaleplon (Sonata®), and eszopiclone (Lunesta®) are sometimes called “the Z drugs.” Here are some tips about the use of these Z drugs as hypnotic medications. Non-medication treatments for insomnia are definitely to be preferred and are discussed elsewhere on this website (see Related Pages below). However, hypnotic medications can…