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The Z-drugs: Ambien. Lunesta. Sonata. What are these? Are they benzos? Hypnotics? When did they hit the market? Can they cause dependence? Withdrawal? BIND? These questions and more will be discussed in our feature today.
In today’s episode, we focus on nonbenzodiazepines, or Z-drugs. How are they like benzodiazepines, and how are they different? We also answer some questions about dosage, duration, and rebounding and we hear a story of struggle from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Video ID: BFP111
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Chapters
00:00 INTRODUCTION
02:09 My Podcast Voice
05:33 Progress on Website
06:33 Peer Support Training Update
09:10 Struggles, Symptoms, and the Podcast
14:47 A reason why, or just coincidence?
18:16 MAILBAG
18:58 Does dosage or duration matter?
21:24 Rebound from medical procedures?
24:31 BENZO STORY
32:28 FEATURE: Z-drugs
34:38 What are Z-drugs?
36:00 When did Z-drugs hit the market?
36:36 Do Z-drugs act like BZDs on the body?
37:54 Z-drugs often partnered with BZDs
39:46 What are Z-drugs prescribed for?
40:07 The Quest for the Magic Pill
42:04 Are Z-drugs less likely to cause symptoms?
45:06 What are the Z-drug side effects?
47:02 Are Z-drug symptoms different?
48:20 How to taper from Z-drugs?
49:05 BZD and Z-drug Terminology
51:48 MOMENT OF PEACE
Resources
The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.
FEATURE: Z-drugs
Ashton, C. Heather. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka The Ashton Manual). 2002. Accessed April 13, 2016. https://easinganxiety.com/ashton
Brandt J, Leong C. Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs: An Updated Review of Major Adverse Outcomes Reported on in Epidemiologic Research. Drugs R D. 2017 Dec;17(4):493-507. doi: 10.1007/s40268-017-0207-7. PMID: 28865038; PMCID: PMC5694420. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694420/.
Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, CO: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://easinganxiety.com/book
Kay, Abigail L. et al. Drug Abuse, Dependency, and Withdrawal. Therapy in Sleep Medicine. 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-40426-4.
Schifano F, Chiappini S, Corkery JM, Guirguis A. An Insight into Z-Drug Abuse and Dependence: An Examination of Reports to the European Medicines Agency Database of Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2019 Apr 1;22(4):270-277. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz007. PMID: 30722037; PMCID: PMC6441128. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6441128/.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Taking Z-drugs for Insomnia? Know the Risks. Last Updated April 30, 2019. Accessed November 30, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/taking-z-drugs-insomnia-know-risks.
Waller, Derek G., Anthony P. Sampson. Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and insomnia. Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Fifth Edition. 2018. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702071676000208.
Wikipedia. Nonbenzodiazepine. Accessed November 30, 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonbenzodiazepine.
Z-Drug. ScienceDirect. 2022. Accessed November 30, 2022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/z-drug.
The Podcast
The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).
WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com
MAILING LIST: https://www.easinganxiety.com/subscribe
YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@easinganx
DISCLAIMER
All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.
CREDITS
Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio
Benzo Free Theme
— Title: “Walk in the Park”
— Artist: Neil Cross
PRODUCTION
Easing Anxiety is produced by…
Denim Mountain Press
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