Ambien CR (Zolpidem Tartrate) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 24, 2012

Ambien CR

Travel Medicine »

Why should travelers see a physician before they leave on a trip?

Travelers should see a physician before leaving for a trip if

they are going to developing countries,
they are visiting sites that are not on the usual tourist routes or traveling to high altitudes,
they have chronic diseases that could be affected by travel,
they are visiting countries that require vaccinations before they allow travelers to enter the country.

The goal of a pre-travel medical evaluation is to help travelers protect themselves against (1) common diseases that may be mild but that will disrupt their trip, and (2) less common diseases that may be serious or even fatal. All travelers need to be up to date on routine vaccines they would normally get if they were not traveling. For example, an annual influenza vaccination (flu shot) is recommended if traveling during influenza season. Travelers should also be up to date on te...

Read the Travel Medicine article »

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Ambien CR Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Ambien CR)?

Since zolpidem is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Ambien CR)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of zolpidem can be fatal when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness.

Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking zolpidem (Ambien CR)?

Zolpidem can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid taking zolpidem during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking zolpidem.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking zolpidem. It can increase some of the side effects of zolpidem, including drowsiness.

What other drugs will affect zolpidem (Ambien CR)?

You may need a lower dose of zolpidem if you take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety). Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any of these medications.

Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

chlorpromazine (Thorazine);
itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater); or
antidepressants such as imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), or sertraline (Zoloft).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with zolpidem. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about zolpidem.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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