Intermezzo
® (
zolpidem sublingual tablet) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of
insomnia. It is specifically designed for people who wake up in the middle of the night and have difficulty falling back asleep. This medicine contains the same active ingredient as
Ambien® and
Ambien CR®, except it comes in the form of a fast-acting sublingual tablet with a lower dosage.
Like many other sleep medications, Intermezzo is a
controlled substance and has the potential for abuse.
Who Makes This Medication?
Intermezzo is made by Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
How Does Intermezzo Work?
Intermezzo is part of a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics, which are more commonly known as sleep medicines. It is thought that this product works by binding to certain receptors in the brain known as benzodiazepine receptors. It should be noted that Intermezzo is not a benzodiazepine drug and is not chemically related to benzodiazepines, even though it binds to the same receptors.
Studies have shown that Intermezzo helps people fall asleep faster after waking up in the middle of the night, compared to a placebo (a similar product that does not contain any active ingredients).
Studies have also shown that when Intermezzo is used at the recommended dosage, it is unlikely to cause a "hangover" effect the next day and is unlikely to cause rebound insomnia (a worsening of insomnia once the medication is stopped).
Studies of Intermezzo have been relatively short (a few weeks in duration), and it is not clear if this medication is effective when used for more than 35 days.
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