Zolpidem TARTRATE - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Zolpidem is used short-term to treat  certain sleep disorders (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, it may help you fall asleep faster and sleep better through the night. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. They work on the brain to produce a calming effect. 

How do I use  oral zolpidem? 
 
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 new prescription. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

Take this medication by mouth  as directed by your doctor, usually once nightly on an empty stomach. Zolpidem is fast-acting, so take it just before bedtime. It is not fast-acting, so do not take it with or after meals. If you are taking this medication in capsule form, swallow it whole. Do not open, chew, or crush  capsules. 

Do not take  this medication if you do not have time to get at least 7 to 8 hours of complete sleep. If you have to get up before then, you may experience memory loss and may not be able to safely perform tasks that require attention, such as walking. B. driving a car or operating machinery. (See also "Precautions") 

Dosage varies depending on your sex, age, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and your response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams per day. Women are usually prescribed smaller doses because the drug is eliminated from their bodies more slowly than  men. Older adults are usually prescribed  lower doses to reduce the risk of side effects. 

 If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, stomach cramps, irritability, and tremors). To  prevent withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may slowly reduce your dose. Taking zolpidem for a long time or in high doses makes you more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. If you have any withdrawal symptoms, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. 

This medication helps many people but can cause dependence in some cases. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse or dependence on drugs/alcohol). To reduce the risk of dependence, take this medication exactly as prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. 

If you take this medication  for a long time, it may stop working as well. Also tell your doctor if this medication stops working. 

Side effects 
Dizziness may occur. If this effect persists or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you experience drowsiness during the day. Your dose may need to be adjusted. 

Remember that you have been prescribed this medication  because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people taking this medication do not experience serious side effects.  Tell your doctor right away if  any serious side effects occur, including memory loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new/worsening depression, unusual thinking, suicidal thoughts,  hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, fearfulness). 

Precautions 

Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or  have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more information. 

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood problems (such as depression, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of  substance use disorder (such as overuse of  drugs/alcohol), personal or family history of sleepwalking, lung/breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD, sleep apnea), a certain muscle disorder (myasthenia gravis).  The effects of this medication may last  after you wake up the next day. If you have not slept for 7 to 8 hours, or if you are taking other medications that make you drowsy or that make you sensitive to this medication, you may feel awake but not be able to think clearly enough to drive. Dizziness and blurred/double vision may also occur. Alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) may make dizziness worse. Wait at least 8 hours after taking this medication before driving. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any work that requires alertness until you can do so safely. This medication may also increase the risk of falls. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Tell your doctor if you use marijuana (cannabis). 

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products). 

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and hallucinations.  Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and excessive sleepiness. These side effects may increase the risk of falling. 

During pregnancy, take this medication  only if absolutely necessary. Babies whose mothers took this medication within the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, unusual lethargy, or withdrawal symptoms. If your newborn shows any unusual symptoms, seek medical help right away. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. 

Small amounts of this medication may pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in a breastfed infant (such as unusual drowsiness, trouble breathing,  unusual lethargy). Check with your doctor right away if your baby has any unusual symptoms. To reduce the risk of effects on your baby, ask your doctor whether you should express and discard your breast milk during treatment and for 23 hours after taking this medication. Ask your doctor before breast-feeding.