Uses

Zolpidem(Ambien) is mainly used to treat insomnia. It is a hypnotic medication and makes it easier to initially fall asleep, and can help maintain sleep. It acts on the GABA system within the body to achieve its effects.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it works best when taken on an empty stomach.

Only take this medication when you are about to go to sleep.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

If you want to stop this medication and have already been taking it for a few weeks, consult with your doctor on how to stop taking it. The doctor may want you to gradually decrease the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea, myasthenia's gravis, history of alcohol or drug use, depression, mental health conditions.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, anxiety, depression, strange behavior, suicidal thoughts or actions, memory loss, hallucinations(seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there), drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness.

Other Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness.

Adult Dose

Short term treatment of insomnia from trouble with sleep initiation

Ambien Immediate Release Tablets:

Females: 5 mg by mouth immediately before going to sleep as a starting dose. The dose can the be increased to up to 10 mg by mouth before bedtime.

Males: 5-10mg by mouth immediately before going to sleep.

Edluar Sublingual Tablets:

Females: 5 mg dissolved under the tongue immediately before going to sleep as a starting dose. The dose can be increased to up to 10 mg by mouth before bedtime. 

Males: 5-10mg dissolved under the tongue immediately before going to sleep.

Insomnia/Trouble with sleep onset  and maintenance

Extended Release Tablets(Ambien CR):

Females: 6.25 mg  by mouth immediately before going to sleep as a starting dose. The dose can be increased to up to 12.5 mg by mouth before bedtime.

Males: 6.25-12.5 mg by mouth immediately before going to sleep.

Middle of the night awakenings with difficulty returning to sleep

Intermezzo Sublingual Tablets:

Females: 1.75 mg dissolved under the tongue taken once per night if needed for middle of the night awakenings.

Males: 3.5 mg dissolved under the tongue if needed for middle of the night awakenings.

Sources

1. Ambien tablets (zolpidem tartrate) [package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis; 2014.

2.  Ambien CR tablets (zolpidem tartrate) [package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis; 2014.

3. Zolpimist oral spray (zolpidem tartrate) [package insert]. Louisville, KY: MAGNA Pharmaceuticals; 2016.

4. Edluar tablets (zolpidem tartrate) [package insert]. Somerset, NJ: Meda Pharmaceuticals; 2014.

5. Intermezzo tablets (zolpidem tartrate) [package insert]. Stamford, CT: Purdue Pharma; 2012.

6. Ambien (zolpidem immediate-release tablets) [package insert]. New York, NY: Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc; 2014.

7. Ambien (R) oral tablets, zolpidem tartrate oral tablets. Bridgewater, NJ: Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (per FDA); 2013.