Zolpidem is the generic version of the sleep medication generic Ambien 10mg, which is also available in a longer-acting form known as Ambien CR. This sleep medication — along with zaleplon (Sonata) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) — is widely prescribed and known for its lack of a “hangover” effect. 

Uses

Generic Ambien 10mg is used to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, it helps you fall asleep faster, so you can get a better night’s rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. This medication is usually limited to short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE ZOLPIDEM?

The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use zolpidem in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.

Zolpidem may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Zolpidem will make you fall asleep. Never take Ambien, Edluar, or Zolpimist if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.

Do not take Intermezzo for middle-of-the-night insomnia unless you have 4 hours of sleep time left before being active.

Zolpidem is for short-term use only. Do not take zolpidem for longer than 5 weeks without your doctor’s advice.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if they get worse.

Do not stop using zolpidem suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Keep the Zolpimist bottle upright when not in use.

Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking zolpidem, and maybe even worse than before. Tell your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking zolpidem.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE TAKING ZOLPIDEM?

You should not use zolpidem if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in the activity you later don’t remember. Zolpidem tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.

Zolpidem is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver or kidney disease;
  • a breathing disorder;
  • depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts;
  • drug or alcohol addiction;
  • sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
  • myasthenia gravis.

Taking zolpidem in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause drowsiness or breathing problems in your newborn.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

The sedative effects of zolpidem may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.

Zolpidem can cause many concerning side effects, such as changes in behavior, abnormal thinking, sedation, and even driving while asleep. This medication also causes a higher risk of falls and fractures in people who are 65 years of age and older. 

Because of these risks, you should always talk with your healthcare provider before taking zolpidem. This article will explain what you need to know about zolpidem and what to expect when taking it. Ambien may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine 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 Ambien 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.

Ambien may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine, especially if you take the extended-release tablet, or 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. Some people using Ambien have engaged in activities 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.

You should not use Ambien if you are allergic to zolpidem. The tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.

What are the possible side effects of Ambien?

Ambien may cause serious side effects including:

  • anxiety,
  • depression,
  • aggression,
  • agitation,
  • confusion,
  • hallucinations,
  • memory problems,
  • unusual thoughts or behavior,
  • thoughts of hurting yourself, and
  • lightheadedness

Dosage In Adults

Use the lowest effective dose for the patient. The recommended initial dose is 5 mg for women and either 5 or 10 mg for men, taken only once per night immediately before bedtime with at least 7-8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. If the 5 mg dose is not effective, the dose can be increased to 10 mg. In some patients, the higher morning blood levels following use of the 10 mg dose increase the risk of next-day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The total dose of AMBIEN should not exceed 10 mg once daily immediately before bedtime. AMBIEN should be taken as a single dose and should not be readministered during the same night.

The recommended initial doses for women and men are different because zolpidem clearance is lower in women.

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