Zolpidem Dosing

If you are first beginning insomnia treatment with zolpidem, dosing generally starts at 10 mg, taken immediately before bedtime. If you are elderly or have liver disease, your healthcare provider may suggest a lower starting dosage. This type of sleep medicine works very quickly, so make sure you are ready for sleep before taking zolpidem. Dosing guidelines should be followed carefully to ensure a safe treatment process, and the medicine should not be used for more than one to two weeks.

 

An Introduction to Zolpidem Dosing

The dose of zolpidem (Ambien®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage of zolpidem unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Zolpidem Dosing for Insomnia

The recommended starting dosage of zolpidem is 10 mg, taken immediately before bed.
 
For people who have liver disease, are older adults, or are taking other medicines that affect the brain, the recommended starting dosage may be zolpidem 5 mg.
 

General Zolpidem Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking zolpidem include:
 
  • Your zolpidem medication should be taken right before you go to bed.
     
  • Your zolpidem dosage should be taken without food.
     
  • Zolpidem works very quickly; make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking zolpidem. Do not take zolpidem before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the zolpidem tablets.
     
  • For zolpidem to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Zolpidem will not work if you take it in a way other than the one your healthcare provider has prescribed.
     
  • In general, zolpidem is used for only one to two days. It should not be used for more than one to two weeks. If you are still having trouble sleeping after one to two weeks, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to zolpidem or zolpidem dosing guidelines, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking zolpidem without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;