Zolpidem

Zolpidem (trade name Ambien) is a prescription drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works quickly (usually within 15 minutes) and has a short half-life (2-3 hours), but will last longer in patients with a damaged liver.

It activates the same neuronal receptors as the benzodiazepines, but has a different chemical structure than these drugs. Zolpidem works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.