Brand Names: Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist

Generic Name: zolpidem (Pronunciation: zole PI dem)

• What is zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• What are the possible side effects of zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• What is the most important information I should know about zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• How should I take zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ambien CR)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ambien CR)?
• What should I avoid while taking zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• What other drugs will affect zolpidem (Ambien CR)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is zolpidem (Ambien CR)?

Zolpidem is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release forms of zolpidem are Ambien, Intermezzo,Edluar, and Zolpimist, which are used to help you fall asleep. The extended-release form of zolpidem is Ambien CR, which has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.

Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist are used to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed. Intermezzo, is used to help you fall back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night and then have trouble sleeping.

Your doctor will determine which form of zolpidem is best for you.

Zolpidem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ambien 10 mg

oblong, white, imprinted with AMB 10, 5421

Ambien 5 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with AMB 5, 5401

Ambien CR 12.5 mg

round, blue, imprinted with A~

Ambien CR 6.25 mg

round, pink, imprinted with A~

Zolpidem 10 mg-APO

oval, white, imprinted with APO, 10

Zolpidem 10 mg-MYL

round, lavender, imprinted with M Z2

Zolpidem 10 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 553

Zolpidem 10 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with TEVA, 74

Zolpidem 5 mg-APO

oval, pink, imprinted with APO, ZOL 5

Zolpidem 5 mg-MYL

round, lavender, imprinted with M Z1

Zolpidem 5 mg-ROX

round, orange, imprinted with 54 371

Zolpidem 5 mg-TEV

round, pink, imprinted with 93, 73

What are the possible side effects of zolpidem (Ambien CR)?

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using zolpidem and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effects:

• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling short of breath;
• trouble breathing or swallowing; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

• daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
• tired feeling, loss of coordination;
• dry mouth, nose or throat irritation;
• nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• headache, muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about zolpidem (Ambien CR)?

Zolpidem may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Zolpidem may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

It is dangerous to try and purchase zolpidem on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of zolpidem purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.