Zolpidem
Generic Name: Zolpidem
Brand Name: Ambien
Zolpidem is a prescription drug used for the
short-term treatment of insomnia (sleeplessness). Zolpidem is
closely related to a family of drugs called benzodiazepines. Zolpidem
helps to treat trouble falling asleep, waking up too early in
the morning, or waking up too often during the night and is approved
for the short-term treatment.
How Is It Used?
Take by mouth, better to take it on an empty stomach (without
food). Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow
the tablets with a drink of water. Take only the prescribed dose,
exactly as instructed by your doctor.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
The most common side effects of Zolpidem are drowsiness, diarrhea,
dizziness, headache and a "drugged" feeling, which probably
reflect the action of the drug.
Other side effects include confusion, depression
mood, lightheadedness, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and
visual changes.
Some side effects can be serious: rash, hives,
itching, pounding heartbeat, chest pain, fever. If you experience
any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
What particular precautions should I
follow?
-
Let your doctor know if you are allergic
to any medications and what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
you are taking right now or plan to take. Be sure to mention
any of the following: antidepressants ('mood elevators') such
as imipramine (Tofranil); itraconazole (Sporanox); medications
for anxiety, colds or allergies, mental illness, pain, or seizures;
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); sedatives; sertraline (Zoloft);sleeping
pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the
doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side
effects.
-
Tell your doctor if you drink or have ever
drunk large amounts of alcohol, use or have ever used street
drugs, or have overused prescription medications. Also tell
your doctor if you have or have ever had depression, sleep apnea
(condition in which the patient briefly stops breathing many
times during the night), other breathing problems, or liver
or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol during your treatment
with zolpidem. Alchohol can make the side effects of zolpidem
worse.
-
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or
plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking
zolpidem, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed while you are
taking zolpidem.
-
Tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking zolpidem, if you are having surgery, including dental
surgery.
-
You should know that zolpidem may make you
drowsy during the day, and may increase the risk that you will
fall. Take extra care not to fall and do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this medication affects
you.
-
You should know that your mental health
may change in unexpected ways while you are taking this medication.
It is hard to tell if these changes are caused by zolpidem or
if they are caused by physical or mental illnesses that you
already have or suddenly develop. Tell your doctor right away
if you experience any of the following symptoms: aggressiveness,
strange or unusually outgoing behavior, hallucinations (seeing
things or hearing voices that do not exist), feeling as if you
are outside of your body, memory problems, difficulty concentrating,
slowed speech or movements; new or worsening depression, thinking
about killing yourself, confusion, and any other changes in
your usual thoughts, mood, or behavior. Be sure that your family
knows which symptoms may be serious so that they can call the
doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
What about Interactions with Other Drugs?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including
non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal
products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of
drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal
drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works.
-
Bupropion
-
caffeine
-
certain antidepressants, like citalopram,
fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine
-
flumazenil
-
medications for fungal infections, like
ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole
-
some medicines used to treat HIV infection
or AIDS, like ritonavir
-
St. John's wort
Certain medications may cause additive drowsiness
or decrease alertness with zolpidem:
-
Alcohol
-
allergy, cough, or cold medications (antihistamines)
-
kava kava
-
melatonin
-
medicines for anxiety
-
medicines for pain
-
medicines for treating mental problems
-
melatonin
-
other sedatives given for sleep
-
some medicines for Parkinson' s disease
or other movement disorders
-
valerian
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose and if the patient has collapsed or is not
breathing, immediate call local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose are drowsiness, coma (loss
of consciousness for a period of time), slowed breathing or heartbeat.
What If I Miss A Dose?
This does not apply. Zolpidem should only be taken immediately
before going to sleep. Do not take twice or extra doses.
How Should It Be Stored?
Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature in a tight container,
tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Expired medicines
should be thrown away.
Anything Else I Should Know?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
NOTE: The above information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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