Testing the effects of the imidazopyridine zolpidem on memory: An ecologically valid approach

The present study explores whether memory impairments are found on the morning following intake of the hypnotic zolpidem which is a member of a new pharmaceutical class, the imidazopyridines. The procedure used is novel: it involves testing subjects in their own homes via the telephone. A previous study using this technique found significant deficits in performance on the morning following intake of the benzodiazepines, flunitrazepam and midazolam, on tasks which load heavily on both the speed and capacity aspects of the human information processing system. Using the same tests, results from the present study fail to find any significant effects on the morning following zolpidem intake.