WHAT
TO KNOW ABOUT AMBIEN
While under the influence of Ambien, you should
use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Ambien (Zolpidem)
will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If
you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these
activities. Zolpidem should be taken just before
bedtime but you may experience some carryover effects
the next day. Do not drink alcohol while taking
the Ambien sleeping pills. Alcohol will increase
drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you
are taking the Ambien insomnia medication, which
could be dangerous. Do not stop taking these sleeping
pills suddenly if you have been taking it for several
weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make
you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need
to stop treatment with your insomnia medicine.
WHAT
IS AMBIEN?
Zolpidem 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. Zolpidem may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
HOW
TO TAKE THE AMBIEN SLEEPING PILLS
Take the Ambien insomnia medication 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 of Ambien with a full
glass of water.. Take zolpidem 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 than is prescribed for you. Do
not stop taking zolpidem 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 zolpidem. Store zolpidem at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
IF
YOU MISS A DOSE
Since zolpidem is usually taken only if you
need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will
not cause any problems. Take the missed dose
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 zolpidem
after you wake up.
AMBIEN
OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of
a zolpidem overdose may include sleepiness,
confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing,
and unconsciousness.
AMBIEN
SIDE EFFECTS
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking zolpidem and seek
emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
face, or tongue; hives)
hallucinations
abnormal behavior, or severe confusion.
Other, less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to take zolpidem 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
amnesia (memory loss) after a dose
Zolpidem 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.
PRECAUTIONS (Before you Order or Use this Medicine)
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, but 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 (With Other Medications)
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.
NOTES (Other things to Consider Before you Buy this Medicine Online)
Your pharmacist has additional information about
zolpidem written for health professionals that
you may read.
