Zolpidem is used to deal with some sleep problem (insomnia) in older adults. If you've got trouble dropping off to sleep, it can help you go to sleep faster, getting an improved night's rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your own brain to produce a calming effect.
This drugs are usually tied to short treatment periods of a single to 2 weeks or less.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your friendly phamacist prior to starting taking zolpidem and every time you get a refill. If you might have questions, ask your physician or pharmacist.
Take medicines by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by a medical expert, usually after a night. Since zolpidem works quickly, go prior to you will get into bed. Do not go with or after a meal as it will not likely act as quickly.
Do not take a dose with this drug if you don't have the time for the full night's sleep with a minimum of 7 to 8 hours. If you've to wake up before that, you may have some forgetfulness and may even have trouble safely doing any pursuit that needs alertness, including driving or operating machinery. (See also Precautions section.)
Dosage is based on your gender, age, condition, other medications you might be taking, and a reaction to treatment. Do not raise your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams per day. Women are often prescribed a reduced dose because the drug is removed in the body slower than in men. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose to lower the potential risk of unwanted effects.
This medication might cause withdrawal reactions, particularly when it has been used regularly for the long time or even in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (for example nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness) may occur should you suddenly stop using prescription drugs. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your physician may lessen your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away.
Though it will help many individuals, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk could be higher in the event you have a substance use disorder (for example overuse of or dependence on drugs/alcohol). Take this medication the same manner prescribed to reduce the risk of addiction. Ask a medical expert or pharmacist for additional information.
When medicines is utilized for any long time, it might not act as well. Talk with your medical professional if prescription drugs fights well.
Tell your doctor if the condition persists after 7 to 10 days, or if it worsens.
You might have sleep problems the first few nights when you stop taking prescription drugs. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. It will usually disappear after 1-2 nights. If this effect continues, contact your medical professional.
Dizziness may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your medical professional or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell a medical expert in case you have daytime drowsiness. Your dose ought to be adjusted.
Remember that your medical professional has prescribed this medication because he or she's judged that the advantage of you is in excess of the potential risk of unwanted effects. Many people using prescription drugs would not have serious unwanted side effects.
Tell your physician without delay if these unlikely but serious unwanted effects occur: loss of memory, mental/mood/behavior changes (for example new/worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety).
Rarely, after investing in this drug, individuals have gotten off the bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("sleep-driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made telephone calls, or had sex without fully awake. Often, these folks don't remember these events. This problem might be dangerous to you or others. If you find out that you have done all of these activities after taking this medication, tell your medical professional straight away. Your risk is increased in case you use alcohol and other medications that may make you drowsy while taking zolpidem.
A much more severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help without delay in the event you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete set of possible negative effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your medical professional for health advice about unwanted side effects. You may report unwanted effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical health advice about unwanted side effects. You may report negative effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking zolpidem, tell a medical expert or pharmacist in case you are allergic for it; or in case you have any other allergies. This product could have inactive ingredients, that may cause allergy symptoms or any other problems. Talk to the pharmacist for more details.
Before using medicines, tell your physician or pharmacist your health background, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood problems (for example depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or ancestors and family history of a substance use disorder (like overuse of or obsession with drugs/alcohol), personal or genealogy and family history of sleepwalking, lung/breathing problems (for example chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, anti snoring), a specific muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).
The effects of the drug will last even when you get up in the morning. If you did not get 7 to 8 hours of sleep or took other medications that made you sleepy or are more sensitive for this drug, you might feel alert but not focus enough they are driving. You may also experience dizziness or blurred/double vision. Alcohol or marijuana can cause you to be more dizzy. Wait at least 8 hours after using this drug before driving, and tend not to drive, use machinery, or a single thing that has to have alertness unless you are able to do it safely. This medication could also increase the risk of falls. Avoid booze. Talk to your medical professional if you are using marijuana.
Children might be more sensitive to the negative effects of the drug, especially dizziness and hallucinations.
Older adults could possibly be more sensitive to the side effects with this drug, especially dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and excessive drowsiness. These negative effects can increase the chance of falling.
Before having surgery, tell a medical expert or dentist about all of the products you use (including medications, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication ought to be used only if clearly needed. Infants born to mothers that have taken sedative-hypnotics close to the duration of delivery could possibly have undesirable effects including breathing problems or withdrawal symptoms. Discuss the hazards and benefits with a medical expert.
A small amount of prescription drugs passes into breast milk. Consult a medical expert before breast-feeding.
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