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Intermezzo
Intermezzo is used to treat insomnia in people who wake up in the middle of the night and have problems falling back to sleep. It is available by prescription only and comes in the form of a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue. This medicine is thought to work by binding to certain receptors in the brain. Side effects may include fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
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.
(Click Intermezzo Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Intermezzo is made by Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD