WARNING

Taking Ambien CR (generic zolpidem) carries several risks, including:

• Dependence and Abuse: Risk of developing a dependence or abuse, especially with prolonged use or higher doses.
• Sleep-Related Behaviors: Possible incidents of sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or other unusual behaviors while asleep.
• Cognitive and Motor Impairment: May cause drowsiness or impair coordination, affecting daily activities like driving.
• Mental Health Effects: Potential for mood changes, depression, or anxiety.
• Interactions: Can interact with other medications, alcohol, or central nervous system depressants, increasing side effects.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare but serious allergic reactions can occur.

Always use Ambien CR as prescribed and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns or side effects.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ambien CR is prescribed primarily for the treatment of insomnia. It helps people who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. Ambien CR is a modified-release form of zolpidem that provides a dual-layer tablet, allowing for both an initial quick release to help you fall asleep and a slower, extended release to help you stay asleep longer.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s a detailed guide on how to use Ambien CR (generic name: zolpidem):

• Dosage: Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The usual dose for adults is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg, taken once daily.
• Timing: Take Ambien CR right before you go to bed. Ensure you have at least 7-8 hours available for sleep, as the medication can cause drowsiness.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. The dual-layer design allows for both immediate and extended-release, which helps you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep longer.
• Avoid Alcohol and Other Sedatives: Do not consume alcohol or use other sedatives while taking Ambien CR, as this can increase the risk of side effects and impair your alertness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you are certain how Ambien CR affects you, as it may cause drowsiness and affect your coordination.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, do not take it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Take only the prescribed amount and do not double up.
• Discontinuation: If you need to stop taking Ambien CR, consult your healthcare provider first. They may provide guidance on how to taper off the medication if necessary.

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

Other uses for this medicine

However, in some cases, it may be prescribed off-label for short-term management of other sleep-related issues, such as:

• Shift Work Disorder: For individuals with non-traditional work hours, Ambien CR might help regulate sleep patterns.
• Jet Lag: In some cases, it may be used to help adjust to new time zones.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Ambien CR:

• Risk of Dependence: Ambien CR is a controlled substance and has the potential for abuse and dependence. Use it exactly as prescribed to minimize this risk.
• Sleepwalking and Other Behaviors: There have been reports of sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other complex behaviors occurring while using Ambien CR. If you experience these or similar behaviors, contact your healthcare provider.
• Mental Health Conditions: If you have a history of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Ambien CR can affect mood and may not be suitable for everyone.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as Ambien CR can interact with other substances.
• Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants: Avoid consuming alcohol or using other central nervous system depressants while taking Ambien CR, as this can amplify side effects and impair your cognitive and motor functions.
• Geriatric Use: Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Ambien CR, including dizziness and drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falls. Special care may be needed in these cases.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider. Ambien CR should only be used if clearly needed and prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Ambien CR affects you. Drowsiness and impaired coordination can persist into the day after taking the medication.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and report any unusual or severe side effects immediately.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions for Ambien CR, but it’s best to avoid alcohol and large or heavy meals close to bedtime, as these can affect how well the medication works and might increase the risk of side effects.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Missed Dose: If you forget to take Ambien CR and it’s still close to bedtime, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose; do not take two doses at once.
• Do Not Double Up: Avoid doubling up on the dose to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
• Consult Your Provider: If you miss a dose and are unsure what to do, or if you frequently forget doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ambien CR (zolpidem) can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: Feeling sleepy during the day.
• Dizziness: Lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Sleepwalking: Engaging in activities while asleep, like walking or eating.
• Sleep-driving: Operating a vehicle while in a sleep-like state.
• Memory Problems: Difficulty remembering events that happened while the medication was active.
• Behavioral Changes: Unusual or aggressive behavior, mood swings, or hallucinations.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis or severe skin reactions.
• Mental Health Issues: New or worsening depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.

If you experience any serious side effects, especially those involving sleepwalking or behavioral changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s also important to seek medical attention if you have an allergic reaction or severe symptoms.

Always report any side effects you experience to your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

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

Storage and Disposal of Ambien CR:

Storage:

• Store Ambien CR at room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Keep it in a tightly closed container away from moisture, heat, and light.
• Ensure the medication is stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal:

• The best way to dispose of unused or expired Ambien CR is through a drug take-back program or a community drug disposal program.
• Mix the medication with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds or cat litter) in a sealed bag or container. Dispose of the sealed bag or container in your household trash.
• Avoid flushing Ambien CR down the toilet or sink unless specifically instructed to do so by a disposal guideline or local regulations, as this can harm the environment.

In case of emergency/overdose

Symptoms of Overdose:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Confusion
• Impaired coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

What to Do:

• Call Emergency Services: Contact emergency medical services (911) immediately if you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms.
• Poison Control: You can also call your local poison control center for advice on how to handle the situation.
• Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless instructed by a healthcare provider or poison control, do not attempt to induce vomiting.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regularly follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and any potential side effects.
• Medication Reviews: Periodically review all medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions and adjust dosages if necessary.
• Emergency Information: Keep a list of all your medications and medical conditions with you in case of an emergency.
• Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation: If you need to stop taking Ambien CR, consult your healthcare provider for guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms or rebound insomnia.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about using Ambien CR.