Ambien

What is Ambien?

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

Ambien is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release Ambien is used to help you fall asleep. The extended-release form, Ambien CR, has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.

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

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

Important information about Ambien

Ambien may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Ambien 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. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Ambien and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Ambien 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. Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.

Ambien 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 Ambien 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)

Before taking Ambien

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Ambien and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to zolpidem. Ambien tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.

To make sure you can safely take Ambien, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
  
• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
  
• myasthenia gravis;
  
• a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or
  
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
  

Ambien may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share Ambien with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ambien will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Zolpidem can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. The sedative effects of Ambien may be stronger in older adults. Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years of age.


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