Zol can refer to two different drugs, depending on the context:
1. Zolpidem (Ambien)
Zolpidem, often sold under the brand name Ambien, is a medication primarily used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping). It's classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Multiple sources confirm this; for instance, MedlinePlus describes Zolpidem's use in treating insomnia. Similarly, Cleveland Clinic highlights its role in helping individuals both fall asleep and remain asleep throughout the night. It's important to note, as mentioned by WebMD, that zolpidem has various brand names such as Ambien, Ambien CR, and Edluar.
Important Considerations: While effective for insomnia, zolpidem carries potential side effects and risks. One example, noted in the MedlinePlus information, is the possibility of engaging in unusual activities while sleepwalking, such as driving or preparing food, underlining the importance of careful use and following medical advice.
2. Zolgensma
Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) is a completely different medication. Unlike zolpidem, it's a gene therapy used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare and serious genetic disorder. Sources like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Novartis highlight its one-time treatment approach targeting the genetic root cause of SMA. The Zolgensma website further emphasizes its unique position as a one-time treatment addressing the genetic cause of SMA. This is vastly different from zolpidem's role in treating insomnia.
In short, the meaning of "Zol" depends entirely on the context. It can be a shortened version of either Zolpidem, a sleep aid, or Zolgensma, a gene therapy for SMA.
