Brand name:
Ambien
Pronounced: AM-bee-en
Generic name:
Zolpidem tartrate
Why is Ambien prescribed?
Ambien is used for short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty
falling asleep or staying asleep, or early awakening). A relatively
new drug, it is chemically different from other common sleep
medications such as Halcion and Dalmane.
Most important fact about Ambien
Sleep problems are usually temporary and require medication for a
week or two at most. Insomnia that lasts longer could be a sign of
another medical problem. If you find that you need this medicine for
more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to check with your doctor.
How should you take Ambien?
Ambien works very quickly. Take it just before going to bed. Take
only the prescribed dose, exactly as instructed by your doctor.
--If you miss a dose...
Take Ambien only as needed. Never double the dose.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Protect from extreme heat.
Ambien side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can
determine whether it is safe to continue taking Ambien.
- Side effects may include:
Allergy,
daytime drowsiness,
dizziness,
drugged feeling,
headache,
indigestion,
nausea
Why should Ambien not be prescribed?
There are no known situations in which Ambien cannot be used.
Special warnings about Ambien
When sleep medications are used every night for more than a few
weeks, some may lose their effectiveness. Remember, too, that you
can become dependent on some sleep medications if you use them for a
long time or at high doses.
Some people using Ambien--especially those taking
serotonin-boosting antidepressants--have experienced unusual changes
in their thinking and/or behavior. Alert your doctor if you notice a
change.
Ambien and other sleep medicines can cause a special type of
memory loss. It should not be taken on an overnight airplane flight
of less than 7 to 8 hours, since "traveler's amnesia" may occur.
When you first start taking Ambien, until you know whether the
medication will have any "carry over" effect the next day, use
extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness,
such as driving a car or operating machinery. Older adults, in
particular, should be aware that they may be more apt to fall.
Use Ambien cautiously if you have liver problems. It will take
longer for its effects to wear off.
If you take Ambien for more than 1 or 2 weeks, consult your
doctor before stopping. Sudden discontinuation of a sleep medicine
can bring on withdrawal symptoms ranging from unpleasant feelings to
vomiting and cramps.
When taking Ambien, do not drink alcohol. It can increase
the drug's side effects.
If you have breathing problems, they may become worse when you
use Ambien.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Ambien
If Ambien is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either
drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Ambien with the
following:
The antidepressant drug imipramine (Tofranil)
The antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine
Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac, and
Zoloft
Drugs that depress the central nervous system, including Valium,
Percocet, and Benadryl
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Babies whose mothers take some sedative/hypnotic
drugs may have withdrawal symptoms after birth and may seem limp and
flaccid. Ambien is not recommended for use by nursing mothers.
Recommended dosage for Ambien
ADULTS
Overdosage
People who take too much Ambien may become excessively sleepy or
even go into a light coma. The symptoms of overdose are more severe
if the person is also taking other drugs that depress the central
nervous system. Some cases of multiple overdose have been fatal.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
| 
