|
|
Why is this medication 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
|
Side Effects
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
|
Cautions
Children¡XStudies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of zolpidem in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
Confusion and falling are more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of zolpidem.
|
|
|
|
How should this medicine be used?
Zolpidem comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at bedtime as directed. It usually begins working within 15 minutes. This medication usually is taken 7-10 days. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take zolpidem exactly as directed.
Zolpidem can be habit-forming.
Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to
|
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
|
Special warnings about this medication
If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking zolpidem, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are li
ke those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, worsening of depression hallucinations (seeing,
hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
|
|
