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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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Cautions
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.
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Why is this drug prescribed?
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
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Possible Side Effect
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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Cautions
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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