An insomnia drug that treats middle of the night wakers that can't fall back asleep was approved by the FDA.
Known as Intermezzo, the drug is the first of its kind. It contains zolpidem tartrate, first approved by the FDA in 1992. The sleep drug Ambien also uses zolpiderm tartrate, but it's a lower dose specifically intended for those who wake up in the middle of the night and have just have a few more hours left to sleep.
The pill received final FDA approval after a clinical trial showed that those who took Intermezzo fell asleep more quickly than those taking the placebo. Some patients reported headache, nausea or fatigue, according to a report from USA Today.
The FDA warns that Intermezzo, which is made by the California-based Transcrept Pharmaceuticals, should not be taken with other sleep aides or alcohol. Those taking the drug should also make sure they have a full four hours to sleep after taking the pill.
According to the Examiner, insomnia can be one of the most serious health condition because of the extreme strain a lack of sleep can place on the body, leading to serious energy loss, a decline in mental health, a compromised immune system and unhealthy eating habits.
