What is Zolpidem ER? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Zolpidem ER

• Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

• Please read the Medication Guide before you use this medicine.

• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. 

• This medicine is not for long-term use.

• Doses are taken at bedtime.

• Do not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for seven to eight hours before you need to be active again.

• Do not take this medicine if you have drunk alcohol the same evening or before bedtime.

• Take zolpidem ER tablets on an empty stomach. It may not work as well when taken with food.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Store the tablets in a closed container at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zolpidem ER

• Do not take a missed dose if you do not have at least seven or eight hours to rest before you need to be active again.

Zolpidem ER contraindications - Who shouldn't take Zolpidem ER?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to zolpidem or had any complex sleep behaviors like sleep-walking or sleep-driving when taking zolpidem.

Zolpidem ER warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• The prescriber will need to check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. 

• Call the prescriber if insomnia is still a problem after using this medicine for seven to 10 days.

• Before taking zolpidem ER, tell the prescriber about all your medical conditions, particularly:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Lung disease (including COPD)

  • Breathing problems (including sleep apnea)

  • Myasthenia gravis

  • A history of depression or other mental health problems

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse

• Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

  • Zolpidem can harm a newborn baby if the drug has been used during the last three months of pregnancy.

  • Do not breastfeed for 23 hours after taking a dose of extended-release zolpidem. Pump and throw away breast milk instead.

• This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, decreased alertness, poor judgment, memory problems, clumsiness, or coordination problems, especially when you first wake up. These lingering effects increase the risk of accidents, falls, or injury. Do not drive or do anything else that requires alertness and coordination until these effects wear off.

• This medicine may cause bizarre sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, cooking in your sleep, and similar behaviors. These behaviors are dangerous and potentially fatal. If they occur, immediately tell the prescriber. Zolpidem is not safe to take if these sleep behaviors occur.

• Zolpidem and other sleeping pills can cause unusual mood changes, abnormal behaviors, or thoughts of suicide. Immediately tell the prescriber if you have problems with mood, depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself. 

• Zolpidem can be habit-forming and cause physical dependency. Do not use more than your prescribed dose or take the drug for long periods. Misuse or abuse of zolpidem can lead to addiction or overdose. 

• A zolpidem overdose can be lethal. Get immediate emergency medical care if you exceed the prescribed dose.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The clinician may need to slowly decrease the dose before it can be safely stopped.

• Zolpidem is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to anyone else is dangerous and illegal.

• Keep this medicine securely out of the reach of children.

Zolpidem ER interactions & what to avoid when taking Zolpidem ER

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking extended-release zolpidem, especially:

  • Opioids

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Other medicines that make you sleepy

  • Chlorpromazine, fluoxetine, imipramine, ketoconazole, rifampin, sertraline, St. John’s wort

• Do not take a dose of zolpidem if you have had a drink of alcohol during the evening or at bedtime.

Find more information about zolpidem interactions here.