The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature for potential next-day residual effects of zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, following nighttime administration. Based on more than 30 international clinical trials involving more than 2,600 subjects/patients, it can be concluded that at the recommended doses of zolpidem 10 mg for adults and zolpidem 5 mg for the elderly, at single or repeated dosing, in healthy subjects or insomniac patients, zolpidem appears to induce minimal next-day residual effects. As for all sedative hypnotics, zolpidem is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia and is recommended to be taken only when the patient is able to get a full night's sleep before resuming usual activities.
