What is Zolpidem? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Zolpidem

• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to take it on a schedule.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

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

• 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.

• This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep. Do not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for 7 to 8 hours before you need to be active again.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not take this medicine with food or right after a meal because it may not work as well.

• This medicine is not for long-term use.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

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

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not take this medicine with food or right after a meal because it may not work as well.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep. Do not take this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for 7 to 8 hours before you need to be active again.

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

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

• This medicine is not for long-term use.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to take it on a schedule.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zolpidem

Zolpidem contraindications - Who shouldn't take Zolpidem?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to zolpidem.

Zolpidem warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• This medicine may cause unusual moods and behaviors. You may also do things while you are still asleep that you may not remember the next morning, including driving, eating, having sex, sleepwalking, or making phone calls. Tell your doctor right away if you have learned that this has happened. Also tell your doctor if you have any thought or behavior changes (including problems with gambling or increased sex drive) that concern you.

• Using this medicine during the last 3 months of your pregnancy (third trimester) can harm your newborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or if you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine.

• This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, especially first thing the next morning. It may also cause decreased alertness or trouble with thinking or trouble with controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (including COPD), breathing problems (including sleep apnea), or myasthenia gravis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction, depression, or mental health problems.

• Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine. You should pump and throw away breast milk for 23 hours after using this medicine.

• This medicine may also cause respiratory depression, a serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening.

Zolpidem interactions & what to avoid when taking Zolpidem

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• This medicine is not for long-term use.

• Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

• Some medicines can affect how zolpidem works. Tell your doctor if you are using chlorpromazine, fluoxetine, imipramine, ketoconazole, rifampin, sertraline, or St John's wort.