Ambien

Ambien (Stilnox, Zolpidem) is in a class of drugs called sedative/hypnotics or sleep medicines. Stilnox (the brandname used for Ambien outside the US) affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia. Ambien (Stilnox, Zolpidem) induces sleep and causes relaxation. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as trouble falling asleep, waking up many times during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. Ambien sleeping pill (Stilnox, Zolpidem) is for short-term use only - usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor.

Stilnox® is available in more than 90 countries, including the United States where it is marketed under the name Ambien. This sleep medicine was launched in Japan, in December 2000, under the name Myslee. It is already the second-ranking product on the Japanese hypnotics market in terms of sales.

Why is Ambien prescribed?

Ambien is used for short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or early awakening). A relatively new drug, it is chemically different from other common sleep medications such as Halcion and Dalmane.

Most important fact about Ambien

Sleep problems are usually temporary and require medication for a week or two at most. Insomnia that lasts longer could be a sign of another medical problem. If you find that you need this medicine for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to check with your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ambien?

Ambien will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have a full 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.

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.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zolpidem. Ambien tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.

How to Take Ambien

Ambien is the brand name version of the drug zolpidem. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. The medication in Ambien is known as a hypnotic or a sedative. Ambien works by affecting the chemicals in the brain that cause insomnia, helping your body relax so you can fall asleep and stay asleep. Your doctor may prescribe Ambien to treat other illness, but insomnia is the most common reason a person would take the medication.

Ambien Dosage

For people who are just starting treatment with Ambien, dosage recommendations begin at 10 mg, taken immediately before bedtime. Depending on your age and other medical conditions you may have, your starting dose of Ambien may be lower, such as 5 mg. The sleep medicine is generally only used for one to two days, and treatment should not exceed one to two weeks.

What should I avoid while taking Ambien?

Ambien can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can increase some of the side effects of Ambien, including drowsiness. Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).

Avoid taking Ambien during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking Ambien.

Take Ambien only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.

Most common side effects:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• difficulty with coordination

You may find that these medicines make you sleepy during the day. How drowsy you feel depends upon how your body reacts to the medicine, which sleep medicine you are taking, and how large a dose your doctor has prescribed. Daytime drowsiness is best avoided by taking the lowest dose possible that will still help you sleep at night. Your doctor will work with you to find the dose of Ambien that is best for you.