Intermezzo

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

Usage of Intermezzo

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

Intermezzo sublingual tablets are used to treat insomnia characterized by middle-of-the-night waking followed by difficulty returning to sleep.

Intermezzo should only be used when a person has at least four hours of bedtime remaining. It should not be taken if alcohol has been consumed or with any other sleep aid.

Intermezzo is a class four federally controlled substance because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse.

Intermezzo side effects

Intermezzo may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Intermezzo and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to zolpidem: 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 Intermezzo 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 zolpidem may be stronger in older adults.

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

Common Intermezzo 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 Intermezzo

You should not use Intermezzo if you are allergic to zolpidem.

Intermezzo 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 zolpidem 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.

Relate drugs

How to use Intermezzo

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia: Intermezzo Sublingual Tablet: Initial and Maximum Dose: 1.75 mg (women) OR 3.5 mg (men) Comments: The recommended initial doses for women and men are different due to the lower rate of drug clearance in females. Use: as needed treatment of insomnia when a middle-of-the-night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia: Intermezzo Sublingual Tablet: Men and women over the age of 65 years: 1.75 mg

Warnings

Intermezzo may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Intermezzo 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 this medication 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.

Intermezzo may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine, especially 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 Intermezzo in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed.

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

Some people using Intermezzo 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.

What other drugs will affect Intermezzo

Using Intermezzo 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.

Disclaimer

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