This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on ambien.
Ambien Consumer Information
AMBIEN
Generic Name: zolpidem (zole PI dem)
Brand Names: Ambien
What is the most important information I should know about zolpidem?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zolpidem will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime. You may experience some carryover effects the next day.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking zolpidem. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking zolpidem, which could be dangerous.
- Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly if you have been taking it for more than 1 or 2 weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with zolpidem.
What is zolpidem?
- Zolpidem is in a class of drugs called sedative/hypnotics or sleep medications. Zolpidem affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia.
- Zolpidem induces sleep and causes relaxation. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as trouble falling asleep, waking up many times during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. Zolpidem is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor.
- Zolpidem may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem?
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
- have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or
- are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
- You may not be able to take zolpidem, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Zolpidem is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take zolpidem without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Zolpidem passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from zolpidem. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
- Zolpidem is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 18 years of age.
How should I take zolpidem?
- Take zolpidem exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take zolpidem just before you go to bed. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose before you are ready for sleep.
- Take zolpidem only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.
- Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you.
- Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly if you have been taking it for more than 1 or 2 weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with zolpidem.
- Store zolpidem at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Since zolpidem is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose only if you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effects from zolpidem after you wake up.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a zolpidem overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking zolpidem?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zolpidem will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime. You may experience some carryover effects the next day.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking zolpidem. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking zolpidem, which could be dangerous.
- Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are taking zolpidem unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.