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Cautions
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
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Stop Using This Medicine
After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time check w
ith your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:
Abdominal or stomach cramps or discomfort; agitation, nervousness, or feelings of panic; convulsions (seizures); flushing;
lightheadedness ; muscle cramps; nausea ; sweating; tremors; uncontrolled crying; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; worsening of mental or emotional problems
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Special warnings about this medication
Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or ``amnesia''. When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between use of the medicine and the time
when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking zolpidem only when you ar
e able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems.
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What side effects may occur?
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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How should this medicine be used?
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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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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