WARNING

Taking Ambien (generic zolpidem) comes with several risks, including:

• Dependence and Tolerance: Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and decreased effectiveness over time.
• Impaired Cognitive and Motor Skills: It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
• Unusual Sleep Behaviors: Ambien may cause sleepwalking, sleep-eating, or performing other activities while asleep, which can be dangerous.
• Memory and Behavioral Changes: Some users experience memory problems, confusion, or changes in behavior and mood.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely, it can cause severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
• Interactions with Other Substances: Combining Ambien with alcohol or certain medications can enhance its sedative effects and increase risks.

It’s important to use Ambien under medical supervision, following prescribed guidelines to minimize these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ambien is prescribed primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia. It helps people fall asleep faster and can improve the overall quality of sleep. It’s usually recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependence or tolerance.

How should this medicine be used?

Ambien (zolpidem) should be used according to your doctor’s instructions. Here’s a general guide on how to use it:

• Timing: Take Ambien right before you plan to go to bed. It works quickly, so make sure you are ready to sleep within 7-8 hours after taking it.
• Dosage: Follow the prescribed dosage exactly. The typical starting dose is 5 mg for women and 5-10 mg for men, but your doctor might adjust this based on your specific needs and response to the medication.
• Form: Ambien is available in several forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and sublingual tablets (dissolved under the tongue). Use the form prescribed by your doctor.
• Empty Stomach: Take Ambien on an empty stomach for the best results. Avoid eating a large meal or high-fat foods shortly before taking it, as these can affect how well the medication works.
• Stay in Bed: After taking Ambien, stay in bed and avoid getting up unless necessary. The medication is designed to help you fall asleep quickly and should keep you asleep throughout the night.
• Avoid Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien, as it can increase the risk of side effects and impair your ability to function.
• Avoid Certain Activities: Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking Ambien, as it can cause drowsiness and impair your coordination and alertness.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, as Ambien can interact with other drugs.
• Follow-Up: If you experience persistent side effects or have concerns about the medication, consult your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your dosage or explore other treatment options.

Ambien is intended for short-term use and should not be used for longer periods without medical supervision.

Other uses for this medicine

While Ambien (zolpidem) is primarily prescribed for insomnia, it has been used off-label in some cases for:

• Jet Lag: Some people use Ambien to help adjust to new time zones and manage jet lag, though this use is not officially approved.
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder: It may be used to help individuals who have difficulty sleeping due to irregular work hours.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Ambien:

• Short-Term Use: Ambien is generally prescribed for short-term use. Long-term use can lead to dependence and tolerance.
• Mental Health: Inform your doctor if you have a history of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, as Ambien may exacerbate these conditions.
• Liver Function: If you have liver impairment, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or monitor you more closely, as Ambien is metabolized by the liver.
• Risk of Sleepwalking: Ambien can cause unusual behaviors like sleepwalking, sleep-eating, or even driving while not fully awake. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Do not abruptly stop taking Ambien without consulting your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will provide guidance on how to taper off the medication if needed.
• Drug Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, especially those affecting the central nervous system, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and other sedatives.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss with your healthcare provider whether Ambien is appropriate for you, as its safety in these situations is not fully established.
• Cognitive and Motor Skills: Ambien can impair your ability to perform tasks that require full cognitive and motor skills, such as driving. Avoid these activities until you know how the medication affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking Ambien, as it can enhance the sedative effects and increase the risk of side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects you experience.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Take on an Empty Stomach: For optimal effectiveness, take Ambien on an empty stomach. Food, especially a high-fat meal, can delay the absorption of the medication and reduce its effectiveness.
• Avoid Heavy Meals: Avoid eating a large meal or heavy, high-fat foods shortly before taking Ambien.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If You Miss a Dose: If you miss a dose and it’s not close to your bedtime, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• If It’s Almost Time for Your Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ambien (zolpidem) can cause a range of side effects, some of which might be more common or severe than others. Here’s a list of potential side effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: Feeling sleepy or drowsy during the day.
• Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
• Nausea: Feeling queasy or experiencing an upset stomach.
• Dry Mouth: A dry feeling in the mouth.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Sleepwalking: Performing activities while asleep, such as walking or eating, without being fully aware.
• Memory Loss: Difficulty with memory or experiencing gaps in memory.
• Behavioral Changes: Changes in behavior, mood swings, or aggression.
• Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented or confused, especially upon waking.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing (though these are rare).
• Complex Sleep Behaviors: Engaging in unusual activities while asleep, such as driving or cooking, which can be dangerous.
• Dependence and Withdrawal: Developing a dependence on the medication or experiencing withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly.

If you experience any of these serious side effects, especially those involving unusual behaviors or severe allergic reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For less severe side effects, it’s still a good idea to discuss them with your doctor to determine if any adjustments to your medication are needed.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage of Ambien:

• Temperature: Store Ambien at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Typically, this means keeping it in a dry place at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Container: Keep the medication in its original container with the lid tightly closed. This helps protect it from moisture and keeps it out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep Away from Light: Store it away from direct light to maintain its effectiveness.

Disposal of Ambien:

• Drug Take-Back Programs: The best way to dispose of unused Ambien is through a drug take-back program. Many communities have designated locations for safe disposal of medications.
• Disposal Instructions: Mix the medication with an undesirable substance like used coffee grounds or cat litter. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag or container. Dispose of the sealed bag/container in the household trash.
• Do Not Flush: Do not flush Ambien down the toilet unless the label or patient information specifically instructs you to do so, as this can harm the environment

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms of an Ambien overdose may include severe drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness.
• Immediate Action: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately. You can call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Poison Control: You can also contact your local poison control center for immediate advice on handling an overdose. The national hotline for poison control in the U.S. is 1-800-222-1222.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Check-Ups: Have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and adjust the dosage if needed.
• Consult Before Stopping: If you need to stop taking Ambien, consult your doctor. Do not abruptly discontinue use without medical advice, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Interaction with Other Substances: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, supplements, or substances you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Keep a Medication List: Maintain an updated list of all your medications and share it with your healthcare provider to avoid adverse interactions and ensure safe treatment.