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Zolpidem
Brand
Name: Ambien
Most
Common Medical Uses
Zolpidem
is commonly 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. Zolpidem is for short-term use only--usually
7 to 10 days. Zolpidem may also be used for purposes other than
those listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
zolpidem exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with
a full glass of water just before bed time. It will make you drowsy,
and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose too long
before you are ready for sleep. Do not take more of this medication
than is prescribed for you. Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly
if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly
may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking zolpidem and seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or hallucinations,
abnormal behavior, or severe confusion. Continue to take zolpidem
and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, drowsiness,
dizziness, or clumsiness; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
depression; muscle aches or pains; vivid or abnormal dreams; or
amnesia (memory loss) after a dose. Zolpidem is habit forming. Stopping
this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have
taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about
the safe use of this medication. Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Tell
your doctor if you have ever had liver disease prior to taking lansoprazole.
You may not be able to take lansoprazole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Do not take lansoprazole
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
a baby.
Drug
Interactions
Zolpidem
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used
to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle
relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with zolpidem. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over the counter medicines.
Missed
Dose
Since
zolpidem is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep,
missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose
only if you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep
after the dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may
experience carryover effects from zolpidem after you wake up. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use
caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Zolpidem will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime but you may experience
some carryover effects the next day. Do not drink alcohol while
taking zolpidem. Do not share zolpidem with others for whom it was
not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively
treated by this drug.
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