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Ambien

Generic Name: zolpidem (zole PI dem)
Brand Names: Ambien, Ambien CR

What is zolpidem?

Zolpidem is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Zolpidem may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about zolpidem?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

It is dangerous to try and purchase zolpidem on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of zolpidem purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary pulmonary disease (COPD);

• a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use zolpidem, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

The sedative effects of zolpidem may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking zolpidem.

It is dangerous to try and purchase zolpidem on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of zolpidem purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.

How should I take zolpidem?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Zolpidem comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take zolpidem only if you are able to get a full night"s sleep before you must be active again. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have a full 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking zolpidem after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Withdrawal symptoms include behavior changes, stomach pain, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, panic, tremors, and seizure (convulsions). Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking zolpidem. These symptoms may seem to be even worse than before you started taking the medication. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking zolpidem.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since zolpidem is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a zolpidem overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking zolpidem?

Avoid taking zolpidem during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking zolpidem.

Take zolpidem only if you are able to get a full night"s sleep before you must be active again.

Zolpidem side effects

• worsening sleep problems;

• depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself;

• unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;

• aggression, feeling agitated;

• hallucinations, confusion, loss of personality.

Continue taking zolpidem and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;

• weakness, lack of coordination;

• amnesia, forgetfulness;

• vivid or abnormal dreams;

• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;

• headache, muscle pain; or

• blurred vision.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect zolpidem?

Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• itraconazole (Sporanox);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater);

• antidepressants such as imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), or sertraline (Zoloft); or

• narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, seizure medications, or anti-anxiety medications.

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use zolpidem, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect zolpidem. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about zolpidem written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Zolpidem is available with a prescription under the brand name Ambien. Other brand or generic formulations of this medication may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Ambien 5 mg--pink, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets

• Ambien 10 mg--white, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets

• Ambien CR 6.25 mg--pink round controlled release tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.