Zolpidem extended-release tablets
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What are zolpidem extended-release tablets?
ZOLPIDEM EXTENDED-RELEASE (Ambien™ CR) is a sedative-type drug that helps to relieve insomnia (sleeplessness). Trouble falling asleep, waking up too early in the morning, or waking up too often during the night are symptoms of insomnia. Zolpidem helps treat these problems, and is usually used for no longer than a few days to a few weeks. Sleep medicines should not be taken for long periods of time, except on your prescriber's advice. Do not share your medicine with anyone else. Generic zolpidem extended-release tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• frequently drink alcohol
• depression
• history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem
• liver disease
• lung or respiratory disease (breathing difficulties, like emphysema or sleep apnea)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to zolpidem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take zolpidem extended-release tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet before swallowing. It is better to take zolpidem on an empty stomach (without food) and only when you are ready for bed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not share your medicine with anyone else.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over age 65 years may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What drug(s) may interact with zolpidem extended-release tablets?
• bupropion
• caffeine
• flumazenil
• certain antidepressants, like citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine
• medications for fungal infections, like ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole
• some medicines used to treat HIV infection or AIDS, like ritonavir
• St. John's wort
Certain medications may cause additive drowsiness or decrease alertness with zolpidem:
• alcohol
• allergy, cough, or cold medications (antihistamines)
• kava kava
• melatonin
• medicines for anxiety
• medicines for pain
• medicines for treating mental problems
• melatonin
• other sedatives given for sleep
• some medicines for Parkinson' s disease or other movement disorders
• valerian
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking zolpidem extended-release tablets?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. In most cases zolpidem should only be taken for a few days and for not longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at about the same time nightly. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks in the evening hours, as caffeine can cause trouble with falling asleep. When sleep medicines are used every night for more than a few weeks, they may lose their effectiveness to help you sleep. This is known as tolerance. Consult your prescriber or health care professional if you still have difficulty in sleeping.
Sleep medicines sometimes cause a type of memory loss, in which the person may not remember what has happened in the several hours after taking the medication. This type of memory loss is usually not a problem since zolpidem is taken right before bedtime; however there have been reports of driving or performing other activities while asleep after taking a sleep medicine. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems while on this medication.
If you have been taking zolpidem extended-release for several weeks and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your prescriber or health care professional may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking zolpidem on your own. Always follow your prescriber's advice.
After you stop taking your zolpidem extended-release prescription, you may notice some trouble with falling asleep. This is sometimes called 'rebound insomnia'. Do not get discouraged, because this problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how zolpidem extended-release affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase possible unpleasant effects. Do not drink alcoholic drinks while taking medications to help you sleep
If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, or if you have any unusual or disturbing thoughts, call your doctor immediately.
Do not take zolpidem extended-release (Ambien™ CR) unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. For example, zolpidem extended-release should not be taken on an overnight airplane flight of less than 7 to 8 hours since 'traveler's amnesia' may occur and you may experience a short-term loss of memory.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking zolpidem extended-release tablets.
What side effects may I notice from taking zolpidem extended-release tablets?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reaction (itchy, watery eyes, rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, tongue, or throat)
• confusion
• depressed mood
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there)
• lightheadedness, fainting spells, or falls
• restlessness, excitability, or feelings of agitation
• sleepwalking, driving, or performing other activities while asleep
• slurred speech or difficulty with coordination
• vision changes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• dizziness, or daytime drowsiness, sometimes called a 'hangover' effect
• headache
• strange dreams
• slight stomach upset
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at controlled room temperature, 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
