Ambien (zolpidem) is considered a sedative or hypnotic drug. It is very similar to the drugs called benzodiazepines that sedate, relax muscles, and also are used on convulsions and seizures. Ambien has more of a sedative effect. It is used as a short-term treatment for sleep problems caused by unbalanced chemicals in the brain. The oral spray form of zolpidem, Zolpimist, works quicker because it is absorbed by the lining in the mouth.http://www.medicinenet.com/zolpidem/article.htm

Ambien needs to be used with caution as it can be habit forming. It should never be shared with anyone and should be kept in a safe place. It should never be taken unless you have seven or eight hours available for sleep because it impairs your thinking and reactions. There are many other side effects which will be discussed below.http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html#ixzz0q1uWozUR

It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to Ambien. Stop taking Ambien and go to the Emergency Room if you have: difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face; or hives. Ambien causes you to fall asleep so never take this medication in the day time unless you have a seven to eight hour time slot where you can sleep. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain.

Activities such as eating, talking on the phone, or driving have happened when the individual is under the influence of Ambien and they have no memory of their actions. If this happens, cease taking Ambien and talk to your doctor about getting another medication to help you sleep.

Cautions

Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any of the following medical conditions: kidney or liver disease; asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); sleep apnea; myasthenia gravis; depression, suicidal thoughts or mental illness; or a history of being addicted to alcohol or drugs.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant or already pregnant, discuss taking this medication with your doctor. It is an FDA pregnancy category C and it is not known whether its ingredients can be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication if you are breastfeeding without discussing it with your doctor. The medication can pass to the baby through the breast milk.http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html

Children may experience hallucinations when taking Ambien; however, children with ADD/ADHD may experience hallucinations more than other children so caution should be taken.

Sleep patterns change as you get older and your sleep may be interrupted during the night. Consult your doctor for ways to improve your sleep without medications. Eliminating caffeine and alcohol near bedtime, not taking naps, and keeping a regular sleeping pattern may help. It has been shown that effects from Ambien may be stronger on elderly patients. Elderly patients who take sedatives have a greater risk of falling or injuring themselves. Caution should be taken to avoid falling or getting injured accidently while taking Ambien.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9690-Ambien+Oral.aspx?drugid=9690&drugname=Ambien+Oral

Drug Interactions with Ambien

This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: sodium oxybate.

Before you take Ambien, tell your doctor or pharmacist any drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, or drugs prescribed from another doctor, such as drugs that affect liver enzymes that remove zolpidem from your body. These drugs include: azole antifungals, including ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors including ritonavir, rifamycins including rifampin.

Also, let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking any drugs that may cause drowsiness, such as: antidepressants (e.g. Zoloft, Tofranil), antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to zolpidem. Also, if you are allergic to lactose use caution taking Ambien because it may contain lactose.

Be sure to check the labels on your cough and cold medications to see if they cause drowsiness. They should not be taken with Ambien because they could increase the sedative effects. Be sure to ask your pharmacist which ones can be taken with Ambien.

These are only some of the possible interactions. Be sure to keep a list of all your medications and advise your pharmacist to make sure there are no possible drug interactions.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9690-ambien+Oral.aspx?drugid=9690&drugname=Ambien+Oral

1. Take Ambien exactly as directed. Do not take more or take for a longer period of time than prescribed. The normal dosage is 10 mg/day.
2. Be sure to take Ambien with a full glass of water. Do not take with your meals or just after a meal or it may take longer to fall asleep.
3. Ambien is only for short-term use. Do not take longer than four or five weeks without your doctor’s advice. Let your doctor know if your insomnia does not improve.
4. Follow the patient instructions carefully for effective and safe use that come with your prescription.
5. Ambien has caused some individuals to drive, eat, or make phone calls while on this medication. They have no recollection of these activities. If this happens to you, discontinue Ambien and talk to your doctor for another treatment for your insomnia.
6. Never crush, break, or chew an Ambien CR tablet because this could allow too much of the medication to get into your system at one time. Swallow the tablet whole.
7. Store Ambien in a secure place at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
8. Never take this medication during your waking hours because it will make you fall asleep. Make sure you have seven to eight hours to sleep before taking. Do not take Ambien when traveling because you may be awakened before the medication effects have worn off and suffer from amnesia (forgetfulness).
9. If you stop taking this medication after using it for several days at a time, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop Ambien suddenly without talking to your doctor. You may have to gradually withdraw from using the drug.
10. Withdrawal symptoms could include changes in behavior, muscle cramps, stomachache, sweating, panic, tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and seizures or convulsions. Your insomnia may be even worse after you cease taking this medication. If that happens, contact your doctor.
11. If you miss a dose do not take an extra dose. Remember do not take it unless you have time to sleep for at least seven or eight hours.
12. If you think you have taken too much medication, seek emergency help. Overdosing can be fatal if it has been taken with other medications that can cause sleepiness. Symptoms of an overdose of Ambien include sleepiness, confusion, lightheadedness, coma, fainting, or confusion.http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html
13. Do not get up quickly from a seated or lying position to lessen the risk of falls. To minimize the risk of falls, remember to get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
14. Do not take this drug if you are under 18 years of age.
15. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
16. Do not drive or operate machinery that needs you to be awake and alert until you know how this medication affects you.
17. Do not share your medication with anyone. It is against the law.
18. Do not dispose of these medications in the drain or in the toilet.
19. Do not take longer than directed as Ambien can be habit-forming.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9690-Ambien+Oral.aspx?drugid=9690&drugname=Ambien+Oral

Severe Allergic Reactions to Ambien

If you have hives, swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue, or if you have difficulty breathing contact your doctor immediately and stop using Ambien.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain.

Serious side effects of Ambien

1. fast pounding heartbeat
2. unusual tiredness
3. mental or mood changes
4. memory loss
5. unsteadiness
6. thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
7. increased depression
8. risk taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, unusual thoughts
9. aggression, restlessness, agitation, anxiousness
10. hallucinations, loss of personality, confusion

Less serious Ambien side effects may include: feeling lightheaded or drugged, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness in the daytime, lack of coordination, forgetfulness or amnesia, dreams that are vivid and abnormal, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, or blurred vision.

Many individuals taking Ambien do not have serious side effects. Your doctor has given you this medication because he or she felt the benefits were greater than the side effect risks.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9690-Ambien+Oral.aspx?drugid=9690&drugname=Ambien+Oral

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any medication.