Ambien 10 mg (Zolpidem)
Overview
Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem, a prescription sedative-hypnotic
medication used to treat insomnia. Zolpidem acts on receptors associated
with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system,
helping promote sleep.
Zolpidem can cause significant drowsiness, impaired coordination,
complex sleep behaviors, physical dependence, misuse, and overdose.
It should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional.
For additional information, consult the
MedlinePlus zolpidem medication guide
.
Uses
Zolpidem is prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, particularly
when difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep is clinically
significant. The appropriate formulation depends on the patient’s
symptoms and medical circumstances.
Treatment should follow the prescribing professional’s instructions.
Learn more about
insomnia, its symptoms, and treatment options
from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Dosage and Administration
The appropriate dose depends on the zolpidem formulation, age, sex,
medical history, other medications, and response to treatment.
Take zolpidem exactly as prescribed.
It should generally be taken immediately before bedtime when sufficient
time is available for a full night’s sleep. Do not take more than
prescribed or take another dose during the same night unless your
healthcare professional specifically instructs you to do so.
The 10 mg strength should be used only when specifically
prescribed. Lower strengths may be appropriate for some
patients. Follow the instructions for your particular formulation
and consult the
FDA Drugs@FDA database
for official product labeling.
Common Side Effects
Possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness the following morning
- Reduced coordination
- Nausea
- Memory difficulties
These effects may impair driving, concentration, judgment, and reaction
time. Do not drive or operate machinery if you remain drowsy or impaired.
Serious Side Effects
Zolpidem carries an important warning concerning
complex sleep behaviors. These can include sleepwalking,
sleep-driving, eating, or other activities while not fully awake,
sometimes without subsequent memory of the event.
Stop taking zolpidem and contact a healthcare professional immediately
if a complex sleep behavior occurs. Do not take it again unless your
healthcare professional specifically advises otherwise.
Other serious reactions may include:
- Severe confusion
- Hallucinations
- Unusual behavioral changes
- Severe allergic reactions
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
Seek emergency medical assistance for difficulty breathing,
loss of consciousness, or another potentially life-threatening reaction.
Warnings and Precautions
Zolpidem can cause misuse, abuse, physical dependence, and addiction.
Use it only as prescribed and discuss your medical history with your
healthcare professional before starting treatment.
Do not combine zolpidem with alcohol or other sedating medicines unless
specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Allow adequate time
for sleep after taking it, and avoid driving or hazardous activities
if you remain impaired the following morning.
Older adults may be more susceptible to confusion, falls, and impaired
coordination. Consult the
zolpidem safety and precaution information
for additional guidance.
Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines,
over-the-counter products, supplements, and other substances you use.
Important interactions may involve:
- Alcohol
- Opioid pain medicines
- Benzodiazepines
- Other sleeping medicines
- Sedating antihistamines
- Other central nervous system depressants
Combining zolpidem with other sedating substances can increase the
risk of excessive sedation, impaired coordination, and respiratory
depression. A healthcare professional should review potentially
interacting medicines before use.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to
become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Zolpidem should be used during
pregnancy only after an individualized medical assessment.
Zolpidem can pass into breast milk and may cause sedation or other
effects in a breastfed infant. Seek professional advice about the
potential benefits and risks before using it while breastfeeding.
Dependence and Withdrawal
Regular or prolonged use of zolpidem can result in physical dependence.
Stopping after regular use may cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound
insomnia, in which sleeping difficulties temporarily worsen.
Possible symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Mood changes
Do not abruptly change or discontinue regular treatment without
discussing a safe plan with your healthcare professional.
Overdose
An excessive amount of zolpidem can cause profound drowsiness,
confusion, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness, slowed
breathing, coma, or other serious complications.
The risk may be substantially greater when zolpidem is combined with
alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedating substances.
If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical assistance
immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Storage and Disposal
Store zolpidem securely according to its product labeling and keep
it out of reach of children and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.
Never share prescription sleep medication. Follow local pharmacy
or healthcare-authority recommendations for safe disposal of unused
medication.
Important Safety Information
Ambien should be taken only as prescribed and only when adequate time
is available for sleep. Do not combine zolpidem with alcohol or other
sedating medicines unless specifically directed by a healthcare
professional.
Do not drive or perform potentially dangerous activities if you remain
drowsy or impaired. If complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking
or sleep-driving occur, stop taking the medication and contact a
healthcare professional immediately.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational
purposes only and does not replace official prescribing information,
a medical diagnosis, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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