Zolpidem is used to treat certain sleep problems (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, this medicine will help you to sleep faster and you will be able to rest better at night. Zolpidem is in a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. This drug is generally limited to short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less.
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Side effects of Zolpidem
It can cause dizziness and sleep during the day. If this effect persists or worsens, inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible, your dose may need to be adjusted. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you because he or she has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people using this drug do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: memory loss, mental / mood / behavior changes (such as new or worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, confusion, agitation , aggressive behavior, anxiety).
On rare occasions, after taking this medicine, people have gotten out of bed and driven while not fully awake (“sleep driving”). People have also sleepwalked, prepared / eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex when they were not fully awake. Often these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous for you or for others. If you find that you have done any of these activities after taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your risk increases if you consume alcohol or other medicines that can make you drowsy while taking zolpidem.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
Uses and properties of Zolpidem
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zolpidem and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once a night. Since zolpidem works quickly, take it just before bedtime. Do not take it with or after a meal because it will not work very quickly.
Do not take a dose of this medicine unless you have time to sleep through the night for at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may lose some memory and have trouble doing any activity that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
The dose is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams a day. Women are often prescribed a lower dose because the drug is cleared from the body more slowly than men. Older adults are generally prescribed a lower dose to lower the risk of side effects.
This medication can cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, stomach cramps, nervousness, tremors) may occur if you suddenly stop using this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Although it helps many people, this drug can sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as drug / alcohol abuse or addiction). Take this medicine exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop taking this medicine. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. Usually it will go away after 1-2 nights. If this effect continues, consult your doctor.
Zolpidem Precautions
Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; Or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems such as: kidney disease, liver disease, mental / mood problems (such as depression, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as excessive use or drug / alcohol addiction), personal or family history of sleepwalking, lung / breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, sleep apnea), certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).
The effects of this medicine can last even after you wake up the next day. If you didn’t get 7 to 8 hours of sleep or took other medications that made you drowsy or are more sensitive to this drug, you may feel alert but not think clearly enough to drive. You may also experience dizziness or blurred / double vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Wait at least 8 hours after taking this medicine before driving, and do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can safely do so. This medicine can also increase the risk of falls. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and hallucinations. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and excessive sleepiness. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this drug should be used only when clearly needed. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug at the end of the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop unusual drowsiness, shortness of breath, unusual lameness, or withdrawal symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
A small amount of this medicine passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant (such as unusual drowsiness, shortness of breath, or unusual lameness). Get medical help right away if you notice any unusual symptoms in your baby. Ask your doctor if you should pump and dispose of your breast milk during treatment and for 23 hours after a dose of this medicine to lower the risk of these effects on your baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.