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How to Use
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any m
edication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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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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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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Precautions while Using this Medicine
If you think you need to take zolpidem for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a sign of another medical problem.
This
medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or
medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or a
nesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
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Description
Ambien ( Zolpidem ) is in a class of drugs called sedative / hypnotics or sleep medications. Ambien ( Zolpidem ) affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Ambien (
Zolpidem ) induces sleep and causes relaxation. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as trouble falling asleep, waking up many times during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. Ambie
n ( Zolpidem ) is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor. Ambien ( Zolpidem ) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thi
s medication guide.
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What side effects can this medication cause?
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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