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Why is this drug prescribed?
Zolpidem (ZOLE-pi-dem) belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system). Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (trouble in s
leeping). Zolpidem helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, s
leep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks.
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Side Effects
Although side effects from zolpidem are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- constipation
- diarrhea
- headache
- dry mouth
- muscle aches
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- itching
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- fever
- behavior changes
- mental confusion
- abnormal thinking or dreams
- d
epression
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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.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
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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Precautions while Using this Medicine
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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How should you take this medication?
If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- It may work faster if you take it on an empty stomach.
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Liver disease¡XHigher blood levels of zolpidem may result, increasing the chance of side effects
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