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 forms of zolpidem are Ambien, Intermezzo,Edluar, and Zolpimist, which are 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.
Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist are used to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed. Intermezzo, is used to help you fall back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night and then have trouble sleeping.
Your doctor will determine which form of zolpidem is best for you.
Zolpidem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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.
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 may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.
Zolpidem may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. 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 discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem?
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.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to zolpidem. Zolpidem tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.
To make sure you can safely take zolpidem, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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.
Zolpidem may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share zolpidem with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether zolpidem will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
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.
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.