Although it decreases the time to sleep, it does not increase total sleep time or decrease the number of awakenings. Rapidly and almost completely absorbed. Undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. A high-fat or heavy meal prolongs absorption. About 1 hr.
Abuse potential is similar to benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-like hypnotics.
May cause amnesia and dependence. Migraine, angina pectoris, bundle branch block, hypertension, hypotension, palpitation, syncope, tachycardia, vasodilation, ventricular extrasystoles. Pruritus, rash, acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, maculopapular rash, skin hypertrophy, sweating, urticaria, vesiculobullous rash. Bladder pain, breast pain, cystitis, decreased urine stream, dysuria, hematuria, impotence, kidney calculus, kidney pain, menorrhagia, metorrhagia, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, vaginitis, dysmenorrhea. Bronchitis, asthma, dyspnea, laryngitis, pneumonia, snoring, voice alteration.