Zaleplon abuse potential

Limited results from clinical laboratory evaluations suggested that the GABAj l agonists zaleplon (Rush et al. 1999b) and Zolpidem (Rush et al. 1999a) produce effects that are consistent with abuse potential comparable to that of the benzodiazepine triazolam. The reported incidence of dependence on Zolpidem in the medical literature is low, compared with that for benzodiazepines, and is characterized by use of high doses, often in individuals with a history of substance abuse (Hajak et al. 2003 Vartzopoulos et al. 2000). 

In general, side effects of zolpidem and zaleplon are similar to those of short-acting benzodiazepines. These agents should not be considered free of abuse potential. 

More recently, non-BZD anxiolytics, such as buspirone, and nonbarbiturate, non-BZD hypnotics, such as zolpidem and zaleplon, have been developed. The more recent anxiolytics and hypnotics offer equal efficacy, fewer serious adverse effects, and less risk of a fatal consequence due to accidental or intentional overdose. Unfortunately, these compounds have not entirely eliminated the hazards of tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal syndromes, although they do have a lower abuse potential than their predecessors. 

Rush CR, Frey JM, Griffiths RR. Zaleplon and triazolam in humans acute behavioral effects and abuse potential. Psychopharmacology 1999 145 39-51. 

In a controlled study in healthy patients with a history of drug abuse, zaleplon was shown to have a comparable abuse potential to that of the benzodiazepine, triazolam [28]. 

Zaleplon possesses several of the clinical characteristics of traditional benzodiazepines, including the potential for additive CNS depression when administered with alcohol or other CNS depressants, a low potential for abuse, and relative safety in overdose. Zaleplon exhibited sedative effects similar to those of the benzodiazepines, with a lower likelihood of such undesirable side effects as memory loss, interaction with alcohol, and abuse potential [22],... 

IV Medical use low abuse potential Benzodiazepines, chloral hydrate, meprobamate, weak opioid agonists, zolpidem, zaleplon... 

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