The brand name for zolpidem is a prescription drug called Ambien that is prescribed to treat insomnia. This sleeping pill belongs to the class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Studies reveal that a chemical imbalance in the brain causes insomnia, and Ambien works by relaxing patients so they can sleep. Ambien is normally prescribed to individuals who have problems sleeping, who wake up often during the night or who wake up too early. The general prescription time period is 7-10 days; doctors don’t recommend long-term use. Your doctor should closely monitor you while you are taking Ambien.
You need to take Ambien exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take the drug right before you go to bed with a full glass of water. Make sure to take it right before going to bed, because the drug works very quickly. The medication may cause you to become drowsy and injure yourself. You should also take Ambien only if you can sleep a minimum of 8 hours. If this is not the case, you will remain drowsy once you wake up. Never mix Ambien with any other type of prescription or non-prescription drug. The medication is also very habit forming so you should not stop taking it before discussing the situation with your doctor.
You need to take Ambien exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take the drug right before you go to bed with a full glass of water. Make sure to take it right before going to bed, because the drug works very quickly. The medication may cause you to become drowsy and injure yourself. You should also take Ambien only if you can sleep a minimum of 8 hours. If this is not the case, you will remain drowsy once you wake up. Never mix Ambien with any other type of prescription or non-prescription drug. The medication is also very habit forming so you should not stop taking it before discussing the situation with your doctor.
If you take Ambien for longer than 2 weeks, don’t suddenly stop taking the medication or you may suffer symptoms of withdrawal. Talk to your doctor before taking Ambien if you suffer from a respiratory disease such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or have a history or liver or kidney disease.
You may experience side effects, especially if you are 60 years or older. Ambien may cause headaches, dizziness, clumsiness or drowsiness. You may also suffer vomiting, constipation, diarrhea or nausea. Other possible side effects include memory loss, muscle pains, depression or vivid or abnormal dreams. Possible serious side effects include throat closing, swelling of the lips, face or tongue or difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects of taking Ambien may include hallucinations, confusion or abnormal behavior.