What OTC is closest to Ambien? An Analysis of Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids vs. Prescription Hypnotics
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5 min read
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 15% of American adults report experiencing insomnia within a 30-day period. While Ambien (zolpidem) is a prescription sedative-hypnotic for short-term insomnia, many wonder what OTC is closest to Ambien. The critical distinction is that no OTC product works the same way as Ambien, a controlled substance that acts on GABA receptors in the brain. Instead, OTC options include antihistamines and supplements, which operate via different mechanisms and come with different side effect profiles.