Benzopam 5mg Tablet (zolpidem): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Engaging in activities while not fully awake, such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or making phone calls.
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Slow, shallow breathing or difficulty breathing.
- Memory loss or confusion that does not resolve.
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
- Worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm.
- Prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is benzopam 5mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a prescription sleep aid containing zolpidem 5 mg. It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia to help you fall asleep faster. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a calming chemical in the brain. Take it once at bedtime on an empty stomach, and ensure you have at least 7-8 hours to sleep. It is not recommended for long-term use and should be avoided with alcohol.
- Generic Name: Zolpidem
- Manufacturer: Achemic
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 benzopam 5mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा ज़ोल्पिडेम 5 मिलीग्राम की एक टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग अनिद्रा (नींद न आने) के अल्पकालिक उपचार के लिए किया जाता है। यह नींद आने में लगने वाले समय को कम करती है और रात में बार-बार जागने की समस्या को कम करती है। यह मस्तिष्क में GABA नामक रसायन के प्रभाव को बढ़ाकर काम करती है, जिससे नींद आती है। यह दवा केवल उन वयस्कों के लिए है जिन्हें नींद की समस्या है, और इसे डॉक्टर के परामर्श के बिना नहीं लेना चाहिए। यह दवा आमतौर पर 2 से 4 सप्ताह से अधिक समय तक नहीं लेनी चाहिए क्योंकि इसकी लत लग सकती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, सिरदर्द, मतली और दस्त शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को अगली सुबह तक नींद या सुस्ती महसूस हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में नींद में चलना, नींद में गाड़ी चलाना, याददाश्त में कमी, भ्रम, मतिभ्रम और गंभीर एलर्जी प्रतिक्रियाएँ शामिल हैं। यदि आपको कोई भी असामान्य लक्षण महसूस हो, तो तुरंत अपने डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, आमतौर पर सोने से ठीक पहले एक बार। इसे शराब या अन्य नींद लाने वाली दवाओं के साथ न लें, क्योंकि इससे गंभीर सुस्ती और सांस की समस्या हो सकती है। सुनिश्चित करें कि आपको सोने के लिए कम से कम 7-8 घंटे मिलें। दवा लेने के बाद अगली सुबह तब तक गाड़ी न चलाएँ जब तक आप पूरी तरह से सतर्क न हों। इस दवा को अचानक बंद न करें, क्योंकि इससे withdrawal के लक्षण हो सकते हैं।
💊 benzopam 5mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Short-term management of insomnia","description":"This medicine helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and decreases nighttime awakenings, improving total sleep time in adults with insomnia.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sleep onset insomnia","description":"It is particularly effective for people who have difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sleep maintenance insomnia","description":"This medicine can help people stay asleep, though its effect on sleep maintenance may be less pronounced than its effect on sleep onset.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Adjunct treatment for depression with insomnia","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label to improve sleep in patients with depression, but it should be used with caution due to potential worsening of depressive symptoms.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Management of catatonia","description":"Rarely used off-label as a temporary measure for catatonia, but this is not a standard treatment and requires specialist supervision.","evidence":"Case reports only"}]
Primary treatment for: Insomnia
Also treats: Sleep onset insomnia, Sleep maintenance insomnia
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Zolpidem |
| Brand Name | Amwin's Freshika-Z 10 Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Achemic |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (Z Compounds) |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. |
| Shelf Life | Typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, depending on the manufacturer. Check the expiry date on the packaging. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by binding selectively to the benzodiazepine site on the GABA-A receptor complex, which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the brain. By enhancing the effect of GABA, it increases the flow of chloride ions into neurons, making them less excitable. This results in sedation, reduced anxiety, and muscle relaxation, which together promote sleep. Unlike benzodiazepines, this medicine has a higher affinity for the omega-1 subtype of the GABA-A receptor, which is thought to contribute to its more selective hypnotic effect with less muscle relaxant and anti-anxiety activity.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take benzopam 5mg tablet
Strength: This medicine is available as an immediate-release tablet containing 5 mg of zolpidem.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 5 mg to 10 mg taken orally once daily immediately before bedtime. For women, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg because they clear the drug more slowly than men. For men, the starting dose is typically 5 mg or 10 mg. The dose should not exceed 10 mg per day. In elderly patients or those with liver impairment, the dose should be 5 mg once daily. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to therapy. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | In elderly patients (65 years and older), the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily at bedtime. Higher doses are not recommended due to increased risk of falls, confusion, and next-day drowsiness. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is typically needed for mild to moderate renal impairment. However, caution is advised in severe renal impairment, and the dose should be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the dose should be reduced to 5 mg once daily. This medicine is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 10 mg per day for adults. In elderly or patients with hepatic impairment, the maximum dose is 5 mg per day. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of benzopam 5mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Opioids | Major | |
| Benzodiazepines | Major | |
| Ketoconazole | Major | |
| Fluoxetine | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Cimetidine | Minor | |
| Grapefruit juice | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Alcohol
- Opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
- Muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine)
- Rifampicin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be completely avoided while taking this medicine. The combination can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, respiratory depression, and dangerous sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving. It also increases the risk of falls and accidents. Even a small amount of alcohol can intensify the sedative effects and impair your ability to wake up safely.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity or allergy to zolpidem or any component of the tablet.","Severe hepatic impairment.","History of complex sleep behaviors while taking zolpidem or other hypnotics.","Untreated obstructive sleep apnea.","Myasthenia gravis.","Severe respiratory insufficiency.","Children and adolescents under 18 years of age."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake. These can lead to serious injury or death. Discontinue immediately if they occur.","The risk of next-day impairment is increased if this medicine is taken with less than 7-8 hours of sleep, or at higher than recommended doses.","Use with caution in elderly or debilitated patients, as they are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.","This medicine can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for more than a few weeks. Do not stop abruptly without medical advice.","Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking this medicine.","Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.","Inform your doctor if you have a history of depression, substance abuse, or lung disease."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts and may cause sedation in a nursing infant. It is generally not recommended while breastfeeding. If it must be used, the lowest effective dose should be taken, and the infant should be monitored for drowsiness. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause excessive sedation, confusion, dizziness, respiratory depression, and even coma. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive and may include gastric lavage if taken recently, and monitoring of vital signs. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, may be used with caution, but it can precipitate seizures in dependent patients. Always call emergency services or a poison control center for guidance.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is usually taken once at bedtime. If you miss a dose, take it only if you can get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before you need to be active again. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed, usually once nightly immediately before bedtime. Do not take it with alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness, as this can increase the risk of severe sedation, breathing problems, and dangerous sleep behaviors. Ensure you have at least seven to eight hours to sleep before you need to be active again. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery the morning after taking this medicine until you feel fully awake. Do not increase the dose on your own; higher doses do not necessarily improve sleep and can increase side effects. If you have been taking this medicine for more than a few weeks, do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Keep this medicine in a secure place away from children and pets. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially those for depression, anxiety, pain, or allergies, as they may interact with this medicine.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients (65 years and older) are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. The recommended dose is 5 mg once daily at bedtime. Higher doses are not recommended due to increased risk of falls, confusion, and next-day drowsiness. Elderly patients should be monitored closely for cognitive impairment and balance problems. Non-drug therapies for insomnia should be considered first.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. It is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, as it may increase the risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. Discuss alternative treatments for insomnia with your doctor.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may be used for sedation before or after surgery, but it should be used with caution due to the risk of respiratory depression, especially when combined with other sedatives or opioids. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you are taking this medicine. It may need to be stopped before surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it can cause drowsiness and may interact with sedatives used during dental procedures. It is important to avoid driving yourself to and from the dental appointment if you have taken this medicine.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which may affect your coordination and balance. Avoid exercising immediately after taking it. If you exercise in the morning, ensure you are fully awake and not experiencing any residual drowsiness. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require alertness. It is important to ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep after taking it. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Inform your employer if your job involves such activities.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
You should stop taking this medicine if you experience any complex sleep behaviors, severe allergic reactions, or if your doctor advises you to stop. Do not stop abruptly after long-term use without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. If you feel the medicine is no longer effective, consult your doctor for alternative treatments.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to tolerance, meaning you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. It can also cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. There may be an increased risk of memory problems, falls, and fractures, especially in the elderly. Long-term use is not recommended, and the medicine should be used for the shortest duration possible. Regular review by your doctor is essential if you are on this medicine for more than a few weeks.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A structured program that helps you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that cause sleep problems.
Evidence: Well-establishedPractices and habits that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep.
Evidence: Well-establishedTechniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing.
Evidence: ModerateA hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles; may be helpful for some people.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine. It is generally safe to continue taking it, but your doctor may advise temporary discontinuation if you experience any side effects.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not share this medicine with others
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Store it at room temperature and protect it from extreme heat or cold. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about how to adjust your dose to minimize daytime drowsiness. Be aware of customs regulations regarding controlled substances in your destination country.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts working within 15 to 30 minutes if taken on an empty stomach. It is important to take it immediately before bedtime.
A: This medicine is generally recommended for short-term use only, usually not more than 2 to 4 weeks. Prolonged use can lead to dependence. Consult your doctor if you need it for a longer period.
A: Alcohol increases the sedative effects of this medicine and can cause severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and dangerous sleep behaviors. Avoid alcohol completely.
A: Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine and are at higher risk of falls and confusion. The recommended dose is 5 mg once daily, and it should be used with caution.
A: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. It can cause next-day drowsiness. Avoid driving the morning after if you feel drowsy.
A: Withdrawal symptoms may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, tremors, sweating, and irritability. Do not stop abruptly after long-term use; consult your doctor for a gradual taper.
A: Yes, this medicine can be habit-forming, especially with prolonged use or higher doses. It is recommended for short-term use only.
A: This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for benzopam 5mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
zappy 5mg tabletAbbott ₹10.58 26.2% CHEAPER
-
dactive 5mg tabletZydus Cadila ₹20.00 39.5% COSTLIER
-
zolnex 5mg tabletNexus Biotech ₹27.90 94.6% COSTLIER
-
isodem 5mg tabletSolitaire Pharmacia Pvt Ltd ₹28.00 95.3% COSTLIER
-
restem 5mg tabletSuraksha Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹28.13 96.2% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a natural sleep aid and is safe for long-term use.
Fact: This medicine is a prescription hypnotic that can cause dependence and is only recommended for short-term use, usually 2-4 weeks. - Myth: You can take this medicine with alcohol to help you sleep better.
Fact: Alcohol increases the sedative effects and can cause dangerous respiratory depression and complex sleep behaviors. It should be avoided completely. - Myth: This medicine is safe to use in children.
Fact: This medicine is not approved for use in children under 18 years of age. - Myth: You can stop this medicine abruptly without any problems.
Fact: Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia, anxiety, and tremors. Always consult your doctor before stopping.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Zolpidem 5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Benzopam 5mg Tablet