How to match the patient with the right Z-drug

  The so-called “Z-drugs” are one of the most commonly used classes of hypnotic medications. In the USA, four preparations of “Z-drugs” are available for use as hypnotics—zaleplon (Sonata®), zolpidem (Ambien®), zolpidem controlled-release (Ambien CR®), and eszopiclone (Lunesta®). Often, clinicians have a favorite one and prescribe it to most patients who need a hypnotic. But…