What is the generic name for Ambien?

The generic name for Ambien is Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a medication that belongs to a class of medications known as sedatives or hypnotics, primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It works by enhancing the effects of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which induces sleep and helps patients fall asleep more quickly.

Understanding Zolpidem's role is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as they might be involved in dispensing this medication, counseling patients, or managing records. The other medications listed do not have any relation to Ambien; Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, Eszopiclone is another sleep aid but is a different substance used for insomnia, and Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that may be used for seizure control rather than for treating insomnia. This context helps clarify why Zolpidem is the correct answer.