Ambien
Key points
- Ambien (Zolpidem) is a Sleeping pill from a newer group of drugs called imidzopyridines.
- Ambien sleep aid medication is in a class of drugs called sedative / hypnotics or sleep medications.
- If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ambien and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion.
Ambien (Zolpidem) is a Sleeping pill from a newer group of drugs called imidzopyridines. Used primarily for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults.
Generic Name: Zolpidem
Ambien - Uses
Ambien sleep aid medication is in a class of drugs called sedative / hypnotics or sleep medications.
Ambien affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Ambien 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. Ambien is for short-term use only-usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use of Ambien must be monitored closely by a doctor. Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Ambien Directions
Take ambien exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take ambien just before you go to bed. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose too long before you are ready for sleep.
Do not take more of this medication(ambien) than is prescribed for you. Do not stop taking ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with ambien. Store ambien at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Ambien Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking ambien and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling 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 and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; depression; muscle aches or pains; vivid or abnormal dreams; or amnesia (memory loss) after a dose.
Ambien is habit forming. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Ambien Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ambien will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Ambien should be taken just before bedtime, but you may experience some carryover effects the next day. Do not drink alcohol while taking ambien.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.

