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Ambien

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is defined as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both, despite adequate opportunity and time to sleep, leading to impaired daytime functioning. Insomnia may be due to poor quality or quantity of sleep.

Insomnia is very common and occurs in 30% to 50% of the general population. Approximately 10% of the population may suffer from chronic (long-standing) insomnia.

Insomnia affects people of all ages including children, although it is more common in adults and its frequency increases with age. In general, women are affected more frequently than men.

Insomnia may be divided into three classes based on the duration of symptoms.

  • Insomnia lasting one week or less may be termed transient insomnia;
  • short-term insomnia lasts more than one week but resolves in less than three weeks; and
  • long-term or chronic insomnia lasts more than three we...

Ambien

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Ambien Drug Center

Pharmacy author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Ambien (zolpidem) belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Ambien (zolpidem) is used for treating insomnia. A generic formulation is available. The most common side effects of Ambien (zolpidem) are drowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes. Ambien (zolpidem) can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures). The recommended adult dose of Ambien (zolpidem) is 10 mg as conventional tablets or spray or 12.5 mg as extended-release tablets. Alcohol has an additive effect with Ambien (zolpidem) and the two should not be combined. Ambien (zolpidem) should not be combined with other sedative drugs because of the additive effects. Sporanox (itraconazole) and ketoconazole may increase the blood concentration of Ambien (zolpidem). Rifadin, Rimactane (rifampin) may reduce the concentration of Ambien (zolpidem). There are no adequate studies of Ambien (zolpidem) use in pregnant women. Ambien (zolpidem) is excreted in human breast milk and may adversely affect the infant.

Our Ambien (zolpidem) Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Ambien Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Ambien® (zolpidem tartrate) Structural Formula Illustration

Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation. Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) has been shown to decrease sleep latency for up to 35 days in controlled clinical studies [see Clinical Studies].

The clinical trials performed in support of efficacy were 4-5 weeks in duration with the final formal assessments of sleep latency performed at the end of treatment.

Read the complete drug monograph for Ambien »

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Ambien Patient Information: Side Effects

Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zolpidem and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

  • depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself;
  • unusual thoughts, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
  • anxiety, aggression, feeling restless or agitated;
  • hallucinations, confusion, ch...

Read the complete patient information for Ambien »

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Ambien Consumer Information: Uses

Zolpidem is used to treat sleep problems (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, it helps you fall asleep faster, so you can get a better night's rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.

This medication is usually limited to short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zolpidem and each time you get a refill...

Read the complete consumer information for Ambien »

What is Ambien Consumer Information?

Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More

Ambien - User Reviews

Ambien User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Ambien sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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