Which medication is an example of a barbiturate?

The correct answer is Ambien. Ambien, known generically as zolpidem, is a medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of sleeping problems. While it is not traditionally categorized as a barbiturate, it shares some of the sedative-hypnotic properties that are associated with this class of medications.

Barbiturates are a class of drugs that were historically used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. They have largely been replaced by safer alternatives due to their potential for addiction and overdose. Ambien, while not a barbiturate, fits within the category of sedative medications that produce similar effects, which may lead to confusion.

The other medications listed are benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Valium and Xanax are both benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed for anxiety and other conditions but do not fall under the category of barbiturates. Similarly, Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a non-benzodiazepine sleep aid, reinforcing the need to understand the distinctions between these classes of medications. While Ambien may not be a barbiturate strictly speaking, it is involved in discussions about sedative-hypnotics and remains relevant in