|
|
Stop Using This Medicine
After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time check w
ith your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:
Abdominal or stomach cramps or discomfort; agitation, nervousness, or feelings of panic; convulsions (seizures); flushing;
lightheadedness ; muscle cramps; nausea ; sweating; tremors; uncontrolled crying; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; worsening of mental or emotional problems
|
What side effects may occur?
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
|
Description
Zolpidem is used short-term to treat insomnia (to help you fall asleep and stay asleep for a proper rest).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacis
t for more information
|
|
|
|
Proper Use of This Medicine
If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
-
- Take zolpidem just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works
very quickly to put you to sleep.
-
- Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may con
tinue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.
-
- It may work faster if you take it on an empty stomach.
-
Liver disease¡XHigher blood levels of zolpidem may result, increasing the chance of side effects
|
Other Medicines
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
|
Special warnings about this medication
Before taking zolpidem,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zolpidem or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medi
cations you are taking, especially allergy preparations, antihistamines, barbiturates, cold medicines, medications for depression or seizures, pain relievers, tranquilizers, and vitamins.
- tell
your doctor if you have, or have ever had kidney or liver disease, a history of alcoholism or drug abuse or depression, asthma, breathing problems, or allergies.
- tell your doctor if you are pre
gnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking zolpidem, call your doctor.
|
|
