Zolpidem

Zolpidem is a prescription sleep medicine that is used to treat short-term insomnia in adults. It is available in two strengths and is generally taken for only one or two days. In clinical studies, zolpidem has been shown to help patients fall asleep faster, sleep longer, experience higher-quality sleep, and have fewer awakenings. Possible side effects of this drug include dizziness, diarrhea, and daytime drowsiness.

 

What Is Zolpidem?

Zolpidem (Ambien®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat short-term insomnia in adults.
 

Who Makes Zolpidem?

Brand-name Ambien is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. Generic zolpidem is made by several different manufacturers (see Generic Ambien).
 

Zolpidem Uses

Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. It is used for a number of sleep difficulties, including:
 
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up often during the night
  • Waking up too early in the morning.
     

How Does Zolpidem Work?

Zolpidem is part of a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics, which are known more commonly as sleep medicine. Based on clinical studies, when compared to people who did not take zolpidem, people who took zolpidem:
 
  • Fell asleep faster
  • Slept longer
  • Had higher-quality sleep
  • Had fewer awakenings.
     

Zolpidem: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take zolpidem include:
 
  • Zolpidem comes in tablet form and is taken once a day, immediately before bedtime.
     
  • It is recommended that you take your zolpidem dose with a glass of water, not after a meal, and not with 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 differently than 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 let your healthcare provider know.
     

Zolpidem: Dosing

The dose of zolpidem that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Zolpidem Dosing for more information about dosing for zolpidem.)
 

Zolpidem: Side Effects

(The zolpidem side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of zolpidem. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of zolpidem side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with zolpidem, but not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate zolpidem well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common zolpidem side effects include:
 
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty with coordination
  • Lightheadedness.
     
There are also a number of less common and more serious side effects that can occur.
 
(Click Zolpidem Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of zolpidem.)
 

Zolpidem: Drug Interactions

Zolpidem has a number of medicines that it can potentially interact with.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Zolpidem for more information about zolpidem and these other medicines.)
 

Zolpidem: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking zolpidem, you should notify your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Drinking alcohol.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may also be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings for Zolpidem for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take zolpidem.)
 

Who Should Not Take Zolpidem?

You should not take zolpidem if you are allergic to Ambien or any component of zolpidem tartrate. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
 

Zolpidem: Overdose

There have been a limited number of cases of people overdosing on zolpidem. A zolpidem overdose could produce a variety of reactions -- from excessive tiredness to light coma. If you happen to overdose on zolpidem, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Ambien Overdose for more information.)
 

Zolpidem: Storage Methods

Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature.
 
Keep zolpidem and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Zolpidem: Strengths

There are two strengths of zolpidem available. These include:
 
  • Zolpidem 5 mg
  • Zolpidem 10 mg.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;