Ambien
Generic Name:
Zolpidem tartrate
Brand Names:
Ambien, Ambien CR
Ambien Description:
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medication prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults who have trouble falling asleep (sleep initiation). Ambien is supplied as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets that are taken immediately before bedtime to help people fall asleep faster. Ambien treatment is recommended for no longer than 7 to 10 days.
Ambien Side Effects:
Like other sedative hypnotics, Ambien can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema (severe facial swelling). Alert a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including hives, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
Other serious side effects of Ambien include:
- Abnormal thoughts or behavior (aggression, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions)
- Memory loss
- Anxiety
For more information, see our Ambien side effects page.
Ambien Uses:
Ambien is used as a short-term treatment for insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having a restful sleep. Insomnia is not a medical condition, but it can be a symptom or sign of other medical problems. If left untreated, insomnia can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, infections, anxiety, depression, as well as many other health conditions.
Ambien works by interacting with certain chemicals in the brain that are temporarily imbalanced in people with insomnia. By affecting neurotransmitters called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain, Ambien has a relaxing effect that in some cases can cause slight amnesia.
Ambien Interactions:
Ambien should be used with caution by patients using any other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications. These patients may need a dose adjustment to minimize the additive effects caused by the combined use of Ambien and CNS depressants.
The following drugs may interact with Ambien:
- Acetaminophen/propoxyphene (Balacet, Darvocet, Trycet, Wygesic)
- Chlorpromazine
- Imipramine
- Ketoconazole
- Levomethadyl acetate (Orlaam)
- Propoxyphene (Darvon)
- Rifampin
- Sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
Ambien Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Ambien is typically prescribed as a 10 mg dose taken immediately before bedtime. Patients should not take more than 10 mg per day. Doses should not be taken with or immediately following a meal.
Debilitated persons, the elderly, and those with hepatic impairments are recommended to take 5 mg per day due to the greater risk of adverse reaction to zolpidem tartrate.
Ambien CR is available in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg tablets and is the extended-release version of Ambien.
Missing a Dose of Ambien
Ambien is typically taken as needed, so a missed dose is not an issue. Never take two doses at one time, and do not take Ambien if you cannot commit to a full seven to eight hours of sleep before needing to be active and alert.
Ambien Overdose
Overdoses can be fatal if Ambien is taken along with other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications or with alcohol. Serious cardiovascular or respiratory problems and a loss of consciousness can result. Signs of Ambien overdose include:
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Troubled breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Coma
Ambien FDA Approval:
Ambien received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on December 16, 1992. Ambien CR, the extended-release form of Ambien, received approval on September 2, 2005.
Ambien Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There have been no recalls or Black Box warnings issued for Ambien.
Other warnings
In March 2007, the FDA requested that all manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic drugs strengthen their product labeling to include stronger language warning of the potential risks of severe allergic reactions, both anaphylaxis and angioedema (severe facial swelling), as well as the risk of complex sleep-related behaviors with no memory of the event. Reported sleep-related behaviors include sleep driving, making phone calls, preparing and eating food, and having sex with no recollection of the event. Thirteen sleep medications, including Ambien, Halcion, Lunesta, and Sonata, were included in the updated warning.
Potential for Dependence
Patients who are prone to addiction, tolerance, or abuse should be monitored very closely while taking Ambien, as it is a Schedule IV controlled substance and can be abused or lead to dependence. The medication must be stored in a safe place and away from children.
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