Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Zolpidem
Other Names: Ambien Tablets
Drug Class: Miscellaneous Sedatives and Hypnotics
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Zolpidem? (Back to top)
ZOLPIDEM is used to treat insomnia. This medicine helps you to fall asleep and sleep through the night. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• depression
• history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to zolpidem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is better to take this medicine on an empty stomach and only when you are ready for bed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor or health care professional may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking this medicine on your own. Always follow your doctor or health care professional's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply. This medicine should only be taken immediately before going to sleep. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• herbal medicines like kava kava, melatonin, St. John's wort and valerian
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole
• medicines for treating depression or other mental problems
• other medicines given for sleep
• some medicines for Parkinson' s disease or other movement disorders
• some medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS, like ritonavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• confusion
• depressed mood
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• hallucinations
• problems with balance, speaking, walking
• restlessness, excitability, or feelings of agitation
• unusual activities while asleep like driving, eating, making phone calls

• diarrhea
• dizziness, or daytime drowsiness, sometimes called a hangover effect
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. In most cases this medicine should only be taken for a few days and for not longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at about the same time each night. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks in the evening hours. When sleep medicines are used every night for more than a few weeks, they may stop working. Talk to your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping.

Do not take this medicine unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. You may not be able to remember things that you do in the hours after you take this medicine. Some people have reported driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep after taking sleep medicine. Take this medicine right before going to sleep. Tell your doctor if you are have any problems with your memory.

After you stop taking this medicine, you may have trouble falling asleep. This is called rebound insomnia. This problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, or if you have any unusual or disturbing thoughts, call your doctor right away.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 03, 2008

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