Ambien (Zolpidem) is a Sleeping pill from a newer group of drugs called imidzopyridines. Used primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.

Generic Name: Zolpidem

Ambien - Uses
Ambien sleep aid medication 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 of Ambien must be monitored closely by a doctor. Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Ambien Directions
Take ambien exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take ambien just before you go to bed. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose too long before you are ready for sleep.

Do not take more of this medication(ambien) than is prescribed for you. Do not stop taking ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with ambien. Store ambien at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ambien Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ambien and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; depression; muscle aches or pains; vivid or abnormal dreams; or amnesia (memory loss) after a dose.

Ambien is habit forming. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Ambien Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ambien will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Ambien should be taken just before bedtime, but you may experience some carryover effects the next day. Do not drink alcohol while taking ambien.

Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking ambien, 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 ambien unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Ambien Interactions
Ambien 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 ambien. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Ambien Notes
Your pharmacist has additional information about ambien written for health professionals that you may read.

Ambien Missed Dose
Since ambien is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose of ambien only if you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effects from ambien after you wake up.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.