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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or ``amnesia''. When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between use of the medicine and the time
when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking zolpidem only when you ar
e able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ambien ( Zolpidem ) and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; s
welling 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 ( Zolp
idem ) and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, drowsiness, di
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Drug Interactions
It is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that cause drowsiness)
or
- Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Pertofrane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g.
, Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil])¡XThe CNS depressant effects of either these medicines or zolpidem may be increased, possibly
leading to unwanted effects
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What special precautions should I follow?
This medicine may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Even though zolpidem is taken at bedtime,
it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Also, this medicine may cause double vision or other vision problems. Make sure you know how you react to zolpidem before you drive,
use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well.
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Stop Using This Medicine
If you will be taking zolpidem for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping co
mpletely. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.
After taking zolpidem for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) for the first few nights a
fter you stop taking it
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What is this medicine
Ambien ( Zolpidem ) is in a class of drugs called sedative / hypnotics or sleep medications. Ambien ( Zolpidem ) affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Ambien (
Zolpidem ) 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. Ambie
n ( Zolpidem ) is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor. Ambien ( Zolpidem ) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thi
s medication guide.
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