Talk:Zaleplon: Difference between revisions

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When taken for recreational purposes, at doses far higher then the prescribed dose, it is capable of producing powerful and bizarre atypical hallucinogenic, hypnotic, deliriant and even psychedelic effects. Some individuals use a different delivery method than prescribed, such as [[insufflation]], to induce effects faster

Zaleplon is a member of a family known as "Z-drugs." Other Z-drugs include ~~Zolpidem~~ (Ambien) and zopiclone. These drugs were ~~initially thought~~ to be ~~less addictive and/or habit-forming~~ than benzodiazepines. ~~However, this evaluation has shifted in the last few years as cases of addiction and habituation have accumulated.[citation needed]~~

Zaleplon is a member of a family known as "[[Z-drugs]]." Other Z-drugs include [[zolpidem]] (Ambien) and [[zopiclone]]. These drugs were designed to be more selective in their hypnotic actions than benzodiazepines.

Zaleplon is recommended to be taken on a short-term basis only. Daily or continuous use of the drug is not usually advised.

==History and culture==

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Zaleplon has a pharmacological profile similar to [[benzodiazepines]]. Zaleplon is a full [[agonist]] for the benzodiazepine a1 [[receptor]] located on the [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> receptor ionophore complex in the brain, with lower affinity for the a2 and a3 subtypes. It selectively enhances the action of GABA similar to but more selectively than benzodiazepines.<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology">Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871512510350084</ref>

In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre [[hallucinations]], the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied. It is worth noting, however, that zaleplon may share similar mechanisms as a [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> receptor [[agonist]] to that of [[muscimol]], which is the active compound within the hallucinogenic [[amanita muscaria]] mushroom.

In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre [[hallucinations]], the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied.

==Subjective effects==

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* '''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' - The sedation present within this compound is significantly stronger than that of other [[GABA]]ergic [[depressant]]s when proportionally compared to their other effects. This is why zaleplon is commonly prescribed as a sleep aid to those who struggle with insomnia.

*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - This manifests itself as a warm, soft glow which emanates from the center of the user's body.

*'''[[Effect::Appetite enhancement]]''' - Many users of zaleplon report binge eating bizarre mixtures of various foods while they are "asleep" with little or no memory of the activity upon waking up.<ref>Ambien Linked to 'Sleep Eating' | http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20060315/ambien-linked-to-sleep-eating</ref> This likely occurs as a result of zaleplon's cognitive effects such as [[disinhibition]] and [[amnesia]].

*'''[[Effect::Gustatory hallucinations]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Headaches]]'''

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*'''[[Effect::Visual acuity suppression|Acuity suppression]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Drifting]]''' - At heavier dosages, this compound may induce the experience of scenery, walls, objects and people appearing to melt and distort in a manner which is comparable to traditional [[psychedelic]]s such as [[psilocin]] or [[LSD]].

*'''[[Effect::Internal hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - The internal hallucinations present on this compound can be described as vivid dream-like states ~~similar in style to that of [[deliriants]]~~. This effect typically occurs briefly and spontaneously at moderate dosages but becomes progressively extended in its occurrence and duration proportional to dosage consumed before eventually becoming all-encompassing. It can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, interactive in style, equal in new experiences and memory replays in content, autonomous in controllability and solid in style.

*'''[[Effect::Internal hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - The internal hallucinations present on this compound can be described as vivid dream-like states. This effect typically occurs briefly and spontaneously at moderate dosages but becomes progressively extended in its occurrence and duration proportional to dosage consumed before eventually becoming all-encompassing. It can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, interactive in style, equal in new experiences and memory replays in content, autonomous in controllability and solid in style.

*'''[[Effect::External hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - In comparison to other classes of [[hallucinogen]], this effect exclusively occurs at heavy dosages ~~and is comparable to [[deliriant]]s such as [[DPH]] and [[datura]]~~. This effect can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, autonomous in controllability and solid in style. The most common themes for these hallucinations include those of both everyday occurrences such as talking to people who are not there and impossible occurrences such as inanimate objects coming to life or ~~[[shadow people]]~~.

*'''[[Effect::External hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - In comparison to other classes of [[hallucinogen]], this effect exclusively occurs at heavy dosages. This effect can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability though not quality, autonomous in controllability and solid in style. The most common themes for these hallucinations include those of both everyday occurrences such as talking to people who are not there and impossible occurrences such as inanimate objects coming to life. Unlike with deliriants, these hallucinations are not often described as scary or unsettling.

}}

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*'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]''' - Many users that take zaleplon often claim that upon waking up, they have little to no memory of falling asleep and cannot recall the events preceding it.

*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - ~~Although anxiety suppression is definitely present, it~~ usually only ~~manifests itself~~ at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines.

*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - This effect usually only occurs at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines but similar in strength to [[zolpidem]] at equally sedating doses.

*'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]'''

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*'''[[Effect::Memory suppression|Short-term memory suppression]]''' - At heavier dosages, many users find that they cannot recall things from 10 or 30 seconds ago due to suppression of their short-term memory. This can potentially lead to confusion, repetitive behaviour and [[thought loops]].

*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''

*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]''' - ~~This~~ effect ~~is present at heavier dosages~~ and tends to synergise with ~~disinihibition~~ and ~~delusions~~ in a manner which results in bizarre decision-making processes or thought processes which are often out of character and make little to no sense once the user has sobered up from the experience.

*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]''' - At lower doses this effect manifests as a disorganization and change in the quality of the mental chatter one experiences while trying to fall asleep. At higher doses this effect tends to synergise with disinhibition and delusion in a manner which results in bizarre decision-making processes or thought processes which are often out of character and make little to no sense once the user has sobered up from the experience.

*'''[[Effect::Focus suppression]]''''''<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology"/>

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Zaleplon is [[Addiction potential::moderate physically and psychologically addictive]].

Tolerance will develop to the [[sedative]]-[[hypnotic]] effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of weeks of daily use]]. After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.

Tolerance will develop to the [[sedative]]-[[hypnotic]] effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of weeks of daily use]]. However, when used therapeutically, the tolerance to the zaleplon's sleep onset shortening effects does not appear to occur. After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.

===Dangerous interactions===

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 When taken for recreational purposes, at doses far higher then the prescribed dose, it is capable of producing powerful and bizarre atypical hallucinogenic, hypnotic, deliriant and even psychedelic effects. Some individuals use a different delivery method than prescribed, such as [[insufflation]], to induce effects faster
-Zaleplon is a member of a family known as "Z-drugs." Other Z-drugs include Zolpidem (Ambien) and zopiclone. These drugs were initially thought to be less addictive and/or habit-forming than benzodiazepines. However, this evaluation has shifted in the last few years as cases of addiction and habituation have accumulated.[citation needed]
+Zaleplon is a member of a family known as "[[Z-drugs]]." Other Z-drugs include [[zolpidem]] (Ambien) and [[zopiclone]]. These drugs were designed to be more selective in their hypnotic actions than benzodiazepines.
 Zaleplon is recommended to be taken on a short-term basis only. Daily or continuous use of the drug is not usually advised.
 ==History and culture==
 {{historyStub}}
@@ Line 20: / Line 21: @@
 Zaleplon has a pharmacological profile similar to [[benzodiazepines]]. Zaleplon is a full [[agonist]] for the benzodiazepine a1 [[receptor]] located on the [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> receptor ionophore complex in the brain, with lower affinity for the a2 and a3 subtypes. It selectively enhances the action of GABA similar to but more selectively than benzodiazepines.<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology">Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871512510350084</ref>
-In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre [[hallucinations]], the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied. It is worth noting, however, that zaleplon may share similar mechanisms as a [[GABA]]<sub>A</sub> receptor [[agonist]] to that of [[muscimol]], which is the active compound within the hallucinogenic [[amanita muscaria]] mushroom.
+In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre [[hallucinations]], the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied.
 ==Subjective effects==
@@ Line 33: / Line 34: @@
 * '''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' - The sedation present within this compound is significantly stronger than that of other [[GABA]]ergic [[depressant]]s when proportionally compared to their other effects. This is why zaleplon is commonly prescribed as a sleep aid to those who struggle with insomnia.
 *'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - This manifests itself as a warm, soft glow which emanates from the center of the user's body.
-*'''[[Effect::Appetite enhancement]]''' - Many users of zaleplon report binge eating bizarre mixtures of various foods while they are "asleep" with little or no memory of the activity upon waking up.<ref>Ambien Linked to 'Sleep Eating' | http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20060315/ambien-linked-to-sleep-eating</ref> This likely occurs as a result of zaleplon's cognitive effects such as [[disinhibition]] and [[amnesia]].
-*'''[[Effect::Gustatory hallucinations]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Headaches]]'''
@@ Line 60: / Line 59: @@
 *'''[[Effect::Visual acuity suppression|Acuity suppression]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Drifting]]''' - At heavier dosages, this compound may induce the experience of scenery, walls, objects and people appearing to melt and distort in a manner which is comparable to traditional [[psychedelic]]s such as [[psilocin]] or [[LSD]].
-*'''[[Effect::Internal hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') -  The internal hallucinations present on this compound can be described as vivid dream-like states similar in style to that of [[deliriants]]. This effect typically occurs briefly and spontaneously at moderate dosages but becomes progressively extended in its occurrence and duration proportional to dosage consumed before eventually becoming all-encompassing. It can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, interactive in style, equal in new experiences and memory replays in content, autonomous in controllability and solid in style.
+*'''[[Effect::Internal hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') -  The internal hallucinations present on this compound can be described as vivid dream-like states. This effect typically occurs briefly and spontaneously at moderate dosages but becomes progressively extended in its occurrence and duration proportional to dosage consumed before eventually becoming all-encompassing. It can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, interactive in style, equal in new experiences and memory replays in content, autonomous in controllability and solid in style.
-*'''[[Effect::External hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - In comparison to other classes of [[hallucinogen]], this effect exclusively occurs at heavy dosages and is comparable to [[deliriant]]s such as [[DPH]] and [[datura]]. This effect can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability, autonomous in controllability and solid in style. The most common themes for these hallucinations include those of both everyday occurrences such as talking to people who are not there and impossible occurrences such as inanimate objects coming to life or [[shadow people]].
+*'''[[Effect::External hallucinations]]''' (''[[effect::autonomous entities]]''; ''[[effect::settings, sceneries, and landscapes]]''; ''[[effect::alterations in perspective]]'' and ''[[effect::scenarios and plots]]'') - In comparison to other classes of [[hallucinogen]], this effect exclusively occurs at heavy dosages. This effect can be comprehensively described through its [[Visual_effects:_Internal_hallucinations#Variations|variations]] as delirious in believability though not quality, autonomous in controllability and solid in style. The most common themes for these hallucinations include those of both everyday occurrences such as talking to people who are not there and impossible occurrences such as inanimate objects coming to life. Unlike with deliriants, these hallucinations are not often described as scary or unsettling.
 }}
@@ Line 70: / Line 69: @@
 *'''[[Effect::Amnesia]]''' - Many users that take zaleplon often claim that upon waking up, they have little to no memory of falling asleep and cannot recall the events preceding it.
-*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - Although anxiety suppression is definitely present, it usually only manifests itself at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines.
+*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]''' - This effect usually only occurs at heavier dosages and is significantly weaker than that of benzodiazepines but similar in strength to [[zolpidem]] at equally sedating doses.
 *'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]'''
 *'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]'''
@@ Line 88: / Line 87: @@
 *'''[[Effect::Memory suppression|Short-term memory suppression]]''' - At heavier dosages, many users find that they cannot recall things from 10 or 30 seconds ago due to suppression of their short-term memory. This can potentially lead to confusion, repetitive behaviour and [[thought loops]].
 *'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''
-*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]''' - This effect is present at heavier dosages and tends to synergise with disinihibition and delusions in a manner which results in bizarre decision-making processes or thought processes which are often out of character and make little to no sense once the user has sobered up from the experience.
+*'''[[Effect::Thought disorganization]]''' - At lower doses this effect manifests as a disorganization and change in the quality of the mental chatter one experiences while trying to fall asleep. At higher doses this effect tends to synergise with disinhibition and delusion in a manner which results in bizarre decision-making processes or thought processes which are often out of character and make little to no sense once the user has sobered up from the experience.
 *'''[[Effect::Focus suppression]]''''''<ref name="Zaleplon Pharmacology"/>
@@ Line 113: / Line 112: @@
 Zaleplon is [[Addiction potential::moderate physically and psychologically addictive]].
-Tolerance will develop to the [[sedative]]-[[hypnotic]] effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of weeks of daily use]]. After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.
+Tolerance will develop to the [[sedative]]-[[hypnotic]] effects [[Time to full tolerance::within a couple of weeks of daily use]]. However, when used therapeutically, the tolerance to the zaleplon's sleep onset shortening effects does not appear to occur. After cessation, the tolerance returns to baseline in [[Time to zero tolerance::7 - 14 days]]. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing usage abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.
 ===Dangerous interactions===