Ambien

Generic name: Zolpidem
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Ambien

Ambien is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. Ambien (zolpidem) affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia).

Ambien is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release tablet is used to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed. The extended-release form, Ambien CR, which has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.

Your doctor will determine which form of Ambien is best for you.

Ambien side effects

Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Ambien and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling short of breath;
  • trouble breathing or swallowing; or
  • feeling like you might pass out.

    • The sedative effect of Ambien may be stronger in older adults.

    Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

    Common Ambien side effects may include:

  • daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
  • tired feeling, loss of coordination;
  • stuffy nose, dry mouth, nose or throat irritation;
  • nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach; or
  • headache, muscle pain.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Ambien

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

    You should not use Ambien if you are allergic to zolpidem. The tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.

    Ambien is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

    To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts;
  • drug or alcohol addiction;
  • lung disease or breathing problems;
  • sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
  • liver or kidney disease.

    • Taking Ambien in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause drowsiness or breathing problems in your newborn.

    It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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    How to use Ambien

    Take Ambien exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

    The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children.

    Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

    Zolpidem may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

    Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. The recommended doses of Ambien are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects.

    Never take this medicine if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.

    Ambien is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 or 5 weeks without your doctor's advice.

    Do not stop using Ambien suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medicine.

    Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking Ambien, and may be even worse than before. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia for the first few nights after you stop taking this medicine.

    Do not crush, chew, or break an Ambien CR tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

    Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

    Warnings

    Ambien may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    Do not share Ambien with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects.

    Ambien may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine, especially if you take the extended-release tablet, or if you are a woman. Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

    Never take Ambien in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed.

    Do not take zolpidem if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.

    What other drugs will affect Ambien

    Using Ambien with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

    Many drugs can interact with zolpidem, making it less effective or increasing side effects. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

    Popular FAQ

    Ambien (generic name: zolpidem tartrate) is a sedative / hypnotic prescription drug and is classified by the DEA as Schedule IV federally controlled substance. It is used for the short-term treatment of adults who have trouble falling asleep (insomnia). It has potential for misuse and abuse. Continue reading

    Both Quviviq and Ambien are effective oral prescription medicines used to help balance chemical effects in your brain that may cause trouble with sleep (known as insomnia). Quviviq and Ambien CR, an extended-release formulation, are used for people who have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep through the night, while Ambien is used to help with sleep onset only because it has a shorter duration of action. Continue reading

    If you have had trouble sleeping in the past, then chances are your doctor may have prescribed you Ambien. But is this sedative any better than counting sheep? And what are the dangers associated with long-term use? Continue reading

    Most people who take Ambien feel sedated and fall asleep, as expected, but rarely, some people show the opposite effect and become aroused or are unable to fall asleep. Experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, but some research has suggested that because Ambien affects the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA and inhibitory neurons, this allows excitatory neurons responsible for transmitting activity to re-awaken and become active again because the inhibitory neurons are “asleep”. Continue reading

    Ambien is not safe for long-term use and should only be prescribed for a maximum of 6 weeks, but ideally should only be used for less than that. But some people find they can’t sleep without Ambien or they develop a habit of using Ambien after using it for recreational reasons. But certain hazardous health and psychological effects may occur with long-term use. Continue reading

    Ambien (zolpidem) is not a benzo (benzodiazepine), it is unique in its action and does not resemble benzodiazepines or barbiturates at all. But it does work similarly. Both benzodiazepines and Ambien are thought to enhance the effects of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. However, Ambien only induces sleep whereas benzodiazepines also work as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Continue reading

    Even though Ambien (zolpidem) is not as habit-forming as benzodiazepines, it is still addictive. When Ambien was first discovered, scientists thought it unlikely to cause tolerance, dependence, or be misused like benzodiazepines. But they were wrong. Physical dependence on the drug can develop within a couple of weeks, even when it is used at the dosages recommended. Ambien should only be used for short periods to help with sleep (ideally no more than seven to ten days). If you've been taking Ambien for longer or taking higher dosages than recommended, you may struggle with medication withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. Continue reading

    Ambien (generic name: zolpidem tartrate) is a sedative / hypnotic prescription drug and is classified by the DEA as Schedule IV federally controlled substance. It is used for the short-term treatment of adults who have trouble falling asleep (insomnia). It has potential for misuse and abuse. Continue reading

    Both Quviviq and Ambien are oral prescription medicines used to help with trouble sleeping (known as insomnia). Quviviq and Ambien CR are used for adults who have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, while Ambien is used to help with sleep onset due to a shorter duration of action. Continue reading

    Most people who take Ambien feel sedated and fall asleep, as expected, but rarely, some people show the opposite effect and become aroused or are unable to fall asleep. Experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, but some research has suggested that because Ambien affects the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA and inhibitory neurons, this allows excitatory neurons responsible for transmitting activity to re-awaken and become active again because the inhibitory neurons are “asleep”. Continue reading

    If you have had trouble sleeping in the past, then chances are your doctor may have prescribed you Ambien. But is this sedative any better than counting sheep? And what are the dangers associated with long-term use? Continue reading

    Ambien is not safe for long-term use and should only be prescribed for a maximum of 6 weeks, but ideally should only be used for less than that. But some people find they can’t sleep without Ambien or they develop a habit of using Ambien after using it for recreational reasons. But certain hazardous health and psychological effects may occur with long-term use. Continue reading

    Ambien (zolpidem) is not a benzo (benzodiazepine), it is unique in its action and does not resemble benzodiazepines or barbiturates at all. But it does work similarly. Both benzodiazepines and Ambien are thought to enhance the effects of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. However, Ambien only induces sleep whereas benzodiazepines also work as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Continue reading

    Even though Ambien (zolpidem) is not as habit-forming as benzodiazepines, it is still addictive. When Ambien was first discovered, scientists thought it unlikely to cause tolerance, dependence, or be misused like benzodiazepines. But they were wrong. Physical dependence on the drug can develop within a couple of weeks, even when it is used at the dosages recommended. Ambien should only be used for short periods to help with sleep (ideally no more than seven to ten days). If you've been taking Ambien for longer or taking higher dosages than recommended, you may struggle with medication withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. Continue reading

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