Ambien is the brand name drug of Zolpidem. It is an effective treatment for insomnia in adults. However, if you have trouble falling asleep, it will help you fall asleep, and you can get better night rest. 

Ambien belongs to the group of drugs that are called sedative-hypnotics. Besides, it works on your brain to produce a calming effect. 

Along it is a short term medication or also a prescription one, please do not use it without query with the specialist. However, take it only for 1 or 2 weeks.

How to Use Ambien?

Read the provided medication guide carefully, if available, follow all the instructions of your doctor. Or review the guidance each time before you get a refill. Further, ask your doctor if you have any queries.

Take the Zolpidem orally on an empty stomach or as directed usually once in a night. Moreover, it works quickly, so take it right before you get into the bed. Do not consume it with food or after a meal because it will not works so fast.

Do not the dose unless you have enough time for a full night’s sleep of at least 7-8 hours.

The dosage varies on gender, age, or also on your medical condition. However, do not increase your dosages without asking the doctor; it can be harmful to your health. 

Moreover, do not suddenly stop the medication; you may get sudden withdrawals like nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness, etc.

Before taking this medication

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other related allergies. However, this product may contain inactive ingredients, which sometimes can cause allergies or other problems.

Before starting the medication, tell your doctor if you have medical conditions such as:

• Kidney diseases
• Liver diseases
• Mental problems
• Head injury
• Heart problems
• Mood swings
• Depression’
• Substance use disorder or a family history of drug abuse.

Older adults or children may be more sensitive to this drug, especially dizziness and hallucinations.

Dosage instructions

Usual adult dosage for insomnia

The initial dose for Women: Ambien 5 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime or as suggested by the doctor.

The initial dose for Men: Ambien 5 to 10 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime or as suggested by the doctor.

Maintenance dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime

Maximum dose: 10 mg a day, however, do not increase the dosage without supervision.

SUBLINGUAL TABLETS (1.75 and 3.5 mg Formulations):

For women: initial dose can be 1.75 mg once a day at night as needed

Maximum dosage: 1.75 mg a day

For men: initial dose can be 3.5 mg once a day orally at night as needed

Maximum dosage: 3.5 mg a day

Side effects

Some of the common side effects include:

• chest pain
• confusion
• discouragement
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat/pulse
• feeling sad or empty
• Fever, headache
• A general feeling of discomfort or illness
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• lightheadedness

Call your doctor immediately for emergency help; you can also call 911. Furthermore, if these side effects and getting worse, you can also report them at the FDA.