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What side effects may occur?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ambien ( Zolpidem ) and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; s
welling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion. ? Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ambien ( Zolp
idem ) and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, drowsiness, di
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Ambien ( Zolpidem ) may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. ? Drugs other than those listed here may also inte
ract with Ambien ( Zolpidem ). Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Ambien ( Zolpidem ) is in a class of drugs called sedative / hypnotics or sleep medications. Ambien ( Zolpidem ) affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Ambien (
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. Ambie
n ( Zolpidem ) is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor. Ambien ( Zolpidem ) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thi
s medication guide.
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Stop Using This Medicine
If you will be taking zolpidem for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping co
mpletely. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.
After taking zolpidem for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) for the first few nights a
fter you stop taking it
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Proper Use of This Medicine
If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
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- Take zolpidem just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works
very quickly to put you to sleep.
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- Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may con
tinue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.
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- It may work faster if you take it on an empty stomach.
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Liver disease¡XHigher blood levels of zolpidem may result, increasing the chance of side effects
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Even though zolpidem is taken at bedtime,
it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Also, this medicine may cause double vision or other vision problems. Make sure you know how you react to zolpidem before you drive,
use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.
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