What is the most important information I should know about zolpidem?
Never use zolpidem in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and call your doctor right away.
Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.
Do not take zolpidem if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.
What is zolpidem?
Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release forms of zolpidem are Ambien, Intermezzo,Edluar, and Zolpimist, which are used to help you fall asleep. The extended-release form of zolpidem is Ambien CR, which has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.
Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist are used to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed. Intermezzo, is used to help you fall back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night and then have trouble sleeping.
Your doctor will determine which form of zolpidem is best for you.
Zolpidem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem?
You should not use zolpidem if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don't remember. Zolpidem tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.
Zolpidem is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver or kidney disease;
- a breathing disorder;
- depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
- myasthenia gravis.
Taking zolpidem in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause drowsiness or breathing problems in your newborn.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
The sedative effects of zolpidem may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.
How should I take zolpidem?
The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children.
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use zolpidem in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.
Zolpidem may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Zolpidem will make you fall asleep. Never take Ambien, Edluar, or Zolpimist if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.
Do not take Intermezzo for middle-of-the-night insomnia unless you have 4 hours of sleep time left before being active.
Zolpidem is for short-term use only. Do not take zolpidem for longer than 5 weeks without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if they get worse.
Do not stop using zolpidem suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Keep the Zolpimist bottle upright when not in use.
Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking zolpidem, and may be even worse than before. Tell your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking zolpidem.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since zolpidem is taken only at bedtime if needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. Never take this medication if you do not have 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.
Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of zolpidem can be fatal, especially when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking zolpidem?
Avoid taking zolpidem during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medicine have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking zolpidem.
Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid taking zolpidem with food or right after eating a meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking zolpidem, and your reactions could be impaired. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What are the possible side effects of zolpidem?
Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; nausea and vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and call your doctor right away.
Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation;
- confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things);
- memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- thoughts of hurting yourself; or
- feeling like you might pass out.
Common side effects may include:
- daytime drowsiness, dizziness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
- headache;
- diarrhea; or
- feeling tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect zolpidem?
Using zolpidem with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, other sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Many drugs can affect zolpidem, making it less effective or increasing side effects. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about zolpidem.
