How do sedative hypnotic drugs work?
Although these drugs are not chemically like benzodiazepines, they bind to a specific benzodiazepine receptor in the brain called omega-1, thereby inducing sleep. They may be less likely than benzodiazepine medications to disrupt natural sleep rhythm patterns (called the rapid eye movement [REM] ratio). Disruption of REM sleep may make sleep less restful. How Lunesta works is not fully understood. Lunesta is thought to promote sedation and to affect brain receptor sites that are close to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).The extended-release product (Ambien CR) consists of a coated 2-layer tablet and is useful for insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. The first layer releases drug content immediately to induce sleep, whereas the second layer gradually releases additional drug to provide continuous sleep. Who should not use these medications? People with an allergy to sedative hypnotics should not take them. Use: Take the prescribed dose 30 minut
