Ambién 10 mg

How to use Ambien

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zolpidem and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once in the evening. Since zolpidem works quickly, take it right before bed. Do not take it with or after a meal because it will not work as quickly.

Do not take a dose of this medication unless you have time to get a full night’s sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss and may have trouble safely doing any activity that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. (See also Precautions section.)

The dosage will be based on your sex, age, medical condition, other medications you are taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams a day. Women are usually prescribed a lower dose because the medication is eliminated from the body more slowly than in men. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, stomach cramps, nervousness, shaking). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may reduce your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used zolpidem for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you experience withdrawal.

Although it helps many people, this medication can sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as drug/alcohol overuse or addiction). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk to your doctor if this medicine stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 7 to 10 days or if it worsens.

You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop taking this medication. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. It will usually go away after 1 or 2 nights. If this effect persists, consult your doctor.