About this information
This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Zolpidem is a sleeping pill that can be taken for short-term treatment of severe insomnia.
It helps you fall asleep more quickly and makes you less likely to wake up during the night. It works by affecting a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Zolpidem comes as tablets. It's only available on prescription.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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