Sleep Board Review Test 1

7. Which of the following is not a benzodiazepine receptor agonist approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia?

a. triazolam

b. zolpidem

c. ramelteon

d. temazepam

e. zaleplon

Answer: c. ramelteon

Ramelteon is a selective melatonin receptor agonist. It binds to the MT1 and MT2 receptors. It does not bind to the benzodiazepine receptor (i.e. the GABA receptor). Triazolam and temazepam are benzodiazepines. Zolpidem and zaleplon are non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists. All of these medications are approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia.

Reference:

Kryger et al, Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, 4^th edition, 2005; page 445.

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