What is zolpidem?
Zolpidem is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may
become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release form of zolpidem is
Ambien
, which is used to help you fall asleep. The extended-release form of zolpidem is
Ambien CR
, which has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and
a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.
Your doctor will determine which form of zolpidem is best for you.
Zolpidem may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem?
Zolpidem will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your
normal waking hours, unless you have a full 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving,
eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity.
If this
happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep
disorder.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zolpidem. Zolpidem tablets may contain
lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely take zolpidem:
-
kidney disease;
-
liver disease;
-
lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
-
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
-
myasthenia gravis;
-
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts;
or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether zolpidem is
harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant during treatment.
Zolpidem can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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 zolpidem.
Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years of age.
It is dangerous to try and purchase zolpidem on the Internet or from vendors outside of the
United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may
not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of zolpidem purchased on the Internet have been
found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For
more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit
www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
How should I take zolpidem?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Zolpidem comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions
carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take zolpidem only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.
Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have a full 7
to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Take zolpidem with a full glass of water. Avoid taking Ambien CR with or just after a meal
or it may take longer for you to fall asleep.
Zolpidem is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not
improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take
zolpidem for longer than 4 or 5 weeks without your doctor's advice.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking zolpidem after taking it over several
days in a row.
Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly
without first talking to your
doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Withdrawal symptoms include behavior changes, stomach pain, muscle cramps, nausea,
vomiting, sweating, anxiety, panic, tremors, and seizure (convulsions). Insomnia symptoms may also
return after you stop taking zolpidem. These symptoms may seem to be even worse than before you
started taking the medication. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few
nights without taking zolpidem.
Do not crush, chew, or break an Ambien CR tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Swallow the
pill whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Do not swallow the Edluar tablet whole. Place it under your tongue and allow it to dissolve in
your mouth without water.
Store zolpidem at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of zolpidem?
Since zolpidem is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.
Never take this medication if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active
again.
Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.
Where can I get more information about zolpidem?
Your pharmacist has information about zolpidem written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of zolpidem?
Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction.
Stop taking
zolpidem 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.
Stop using zolpidem and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side
effects:
-
depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself;
-
unusual thoughts, risk-taking behavior, decreased
inhibitions, no fear of danger;
-
anxiety, aggression, feeling restless or agitated;
-
hallucinations, confusion, changes in personality.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or
light-headed;
-
lack of coordination;
-
amnesia, forgetfulness;
-
vivid or abnormal dreams;
-
nausea, constipation;
-
stuffy nose, sore throat;
-
headache, muscle pain; or
-
blurred vision.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about zolpidem?
Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction.
Stop taking
zolpidem 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.
Zolpidem will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your
normal waking hours, unless you have a full 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving,
eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity.
If this
happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep
disorder.
Zolpidem can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still
feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you
during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that
requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking zolpidem. It can increase some of the side effects
of zolpidem, including drowsiness.
Zolpidem may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it was
prescribed for
. Zolpidem should never be shared with another person, especially someone
who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others
cannot get to it.
It is dangerous to try and purchase zolpidem on the Internet or from vendors outside of the
United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may
not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of zolpidem purchased on the Internet have been
found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For
more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit
www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.
What should I avoid while taking zolpidem?
Zolpidem can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still
feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you
during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that
requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid taking zolpidem during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened
before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do
not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking zolpidem.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking zolpidem. It can increase some of the side effects
of zolpidem, including drowsiness.
What other drugs will affect zolpidem?
You may need a lower dose of zolpidem if you take other medicines that make you sleepy
(such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).
Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any of these medications.
Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
-
chlorpromazine (Thorazine);
-
itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral);
-
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); or
-
antidepressants such as imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), or
sertraline (Zoloft).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
zolpidem. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using
a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of zolpidem?