Ambien is a hypnotic or sedative that affects chemicals in the brain that can cause insomnia or other sleep problems. The medication is used as a short-term treatment option for individuals who have difficulty falling or remaining asleep. Ambien causes patients to relax so they can fall asleep much easier.

Benefits Of Ambien

• Works quickly - helps individuals to fall asleep within 15-30 minutes
• Helps individuals to remain asleep throughout the night
• Helps individuals to avoid waking up early

How It Works

Ambien is a common short-term sleep medication that works by enhancing the effects of the natural brain chemical called Gaba. Gaba is one of the 18 main brain chemicals and a neurotransmitter that controls communication among nearby brain cells. Ambien targets a specific area of the brain cell and lowers the possibility of certain brain cells becoming electrically active.

Taking Ambien

Ambien is available in 5 mg and 10 mg doses, and is meant to be taken orally. You should always take Ambien according to your prescription. Only take the drug if you are able to get an entire night’s sleep without having to be active again. Don’t take the medication during regular waking hours, unless you can devote 7-8 hours for sleeping.

Take Ambien with a full glass of water and avoid taking it with or right after eating as you may need longer time to fall asleep. Ambien is designed only for short-term use. Therefore, you should never take the medication longer than 4-5 weeks, unless recommended by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

As with any medication, Ambien may cause minor side effects. Some of the most common ones include dizziness, lightheadedness, daytime drowsiness, diarrhea and difficulty with coordination.

Other possible side effects that occur less frequently when taking ambient include allergic reactions, dry mouth, abnormal dreams, unexplained rash, tiredness, sinusitis and heart palpitations. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience a fast heartbeat, chest pain, depression, unsteadiness, mood changes or unusual tiredness.