Description

Ambien

Description

Ambien is the brand name for a medicine to treat temporary insomnia. The generic name of Ambien is Zolpidem.

• Ambien is in a class of drugs called sedative/ hypnotics or sleep medications. Ambien affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia.
• Ambien 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. Ambien is for short-term use only–usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor.
• Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class and is available in 5-mg and 10-mg strength tablets for oral administration.

Chemically, zolpidem is N,N,6-trimethyl-2-p-tolyl-imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine-3-acetamide L-(+)-tartrate (2:1). Zolpidem tartrate is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. It has a molecular weight of 764.88.

Each Ambien tablet includes the following inactive ingredients:

hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide; the 5-mg tablet also contains FD&C Red No. 40, iron oxide colorant, and polysorbate 80.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem?

• Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have
  1. Have Kidney Disease
  2. Have Liver Disease
  3. Have Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, or another respiratory disease
  4. Are depressed or have suicidal thoughts
  5. You may not be able to take zolpidem, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Zolpidem is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 18 years of age.
• Zolpidem is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take zolpidem without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Zolpidem passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from zolpidem. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Precautions

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zolpidem will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime. You may experience some carryover effects the next day.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking zolpidem. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking zolpidem, which could be dangerous.
• Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are taking zolpidem unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Drug Interactions

• 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 interact with zolpidem. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

How should Ambien be used?

Ambien comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at bedtime as directed. It usually begins working within 15 minutes. This medication usually is taken 7-10 days. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Ambien exactly as directed.
Ambien can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Side Effects

Although side effects from Ambien are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• dry mouth
• muscle aches

If any of the following mentioned rarer side effects occur then do call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• itching
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• behavior changes
• mental confusion
• abnormal thinking or dreams
• depression