Zolpidem

Generic name: Zolpidem

Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Dosage forms: Capsule, Tablet, Extended release tablet, Sublingual tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: Capsule: 7.5 mg, Tablet: 5, 10 mg, Tablet, extended release: 6.25, 12.5 mg, Sublingual tablet:1.75, 3.5, 5, 10 mg

Mechanism of action: It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

Drug usage cases: Zolpidem is used in adults to treat insomnia. The immediate-release forms are Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist, which are used to help you fall asleep. Intermezzo, is used to help you fall back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night and then have trouble sleeping. The extended-release form of zolpidem is Ambien CR which has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep. Your doctor will determine which form of zolpidem is best for you.

Drug contra indications: You should not use zolpidem if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don’t remember. Zolpidem may contain lactose. Tell your doctor if you have galactose intolerance, or severe problems with lactose (milk sugar). To make sure zolpidem is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

lung disease or a breathing disorder; depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or mental illness; drug or alcohol addiction; sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); myasthenia gravis; or liver or kidney disease. Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to zolpidem: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people using zolpidem have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens, stop using zolpidem and call your doctor right away. Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake. Zolpidem may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

breathing problems; anxiety, depression, agitation, aggression; confusion, hallucinations; memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior; thoughts of hurting yourself; or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Warnings: Never use zolpidem in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Some people using zolpidem have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zolpidem and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects. Zolpidem may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine, especially if you take the extended-release tablet, or if you are a woman. Wait at least4 hours or until you are fully awake before you do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake. Never take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Do not take zolpidem if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Using this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of zolpidem on the baby. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice increased sleepiness, breathing problems, or limpness in the nursing baby. Do not breastfeed within 23 hours after using zolpidem. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out the milk and do not feed it to your baby.