Author: Alex Thompson

Ambien Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop taking this medication. Medicines can interact with each other, sometimes causing serious side effects. Do not take AMBIEN with other medicines that can make you sleepyunless your healthcare provider tells you to. Rifampin, a CYP3A4 inducer, significantly reduced the exposure to and the pharmacodynamic effects of zolpidem [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. There are limited postmarketing reports of severe tomoderate cases of respiratory depression that occurred after birth in neonateswhose mothers had taken zolpidem during pregnancy.

If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Keep AMBIEN and all medicines out of reach of children. Read the Medication Guide that comes with AMBIEN before you start taking it and each time you get a refill.

A single-dose interaction study with zolpidem tartrate 10 mg and itraconazole 200 mg at steady-state levels in male volunteers resulted in a 34% increase in AUC0-∞ of zolpidem tartrate. There were no pharmacodynamic effects of zolpidem detected on subjective drowsiness, postural sway, or psychomotor performance. Limited data from published literature report thepresence of zolpidem in human milk. There are reports of excess sedation ininfants exposed to zolpidem through breastmilk [see Clinical Considerations].There is no information on the effects of zolpidem on milk production.

Studies of AMBIEN in non-elderly patients with insomnia did not detect evidence of next-day residual effects using the DSST, the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), and patient ratings of alertness. Zolpidem causedirregular estrus cycles and prolonged precoital intervals at the highest dosetested, which is approximately 120 times the MRHD based on mg/m² body surfacearea. The NOAEL for these effects is 25 times the MRHD based on a mg/m² bodysurface area. There was no impairment of fertility at any dose tested. Advise breastfeeding mothers using AMBIEN to monitorinfants for increased sleepiness, breathing difficulties, or limpness. Instructbreastfeeding mothers to seek immediate medical care if they notice thesesigns.

How should I take Ambien?

Inform patients of the availability of aMedication Guide and instruct them to read the Medication Guide prior toinitiating treatment with AMBIEN and with each prescription refill. Review theAMBIEN Medication Guide with every patient prior to initiation of treatment.Instruct patients or caregivers that AMBIEN should be taken only as prescribed. Ketoconazole, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased theexposure to and pharmacodynamic effects of zolpidem. Consideration should begiven to using a lower dose of zolpidem when a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor andzolpidem are given together [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The following adverse reactions have been identifiedduring postapproval use of AMBIEN.

Women clear zolpidem tartrate from the body at a lowerrate than men. Cmax and AUC parameters of zolpidem were approximately 45%higher at the same dose in female subjects compared with male subjects. Giventhe higher blood levels of zolpidem tartrate in women compared to men at agiven dose, the recommended initial dose of AMBIEN for adult women is 5 mg, andthe recommended dose for adult men is 5 or 10 mg. Zolpidem was administered to mice and rats for 2 years atoral doses of 4, 18, and 80 mg base/kg/day. No evidence ofcarcinogenic potential was observed in mice. In rats, renal tumors (lipoma,liposarcoma) were seen at the mid and high doses.

You should not use Ambien if you are allergic to zolpidem. Do not take zolpidem if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed. Find out everything you need to know about weight loss drugs in our prescription weight loss drug guide. Avoid using zolpidem with food or right after eating a meal, it may take longer for your body to absorb the medicine.

Insomnia Guide

Since sedative-hypnotics have thecapacity to depress respiratory drive, precautions should be taken if AMBIEN isprescribed to patients with compromised respiratory function. Postmarketingreports of respiratory insufficiency in patients receiving 10 mg of zolpidemtartrate, most of whom had pre-existing respiratory impairment, have beenreported. The risk of respiratory depression should be considered prior toprescribing AMBIEN in patients with respiratory impairment including sleepapnea and myasthenia gravis. AMBIEN, like other sedative-hypnotic drugs, hasCNS-depressant effects. Coadministration with other CNS depressants (e.g.,benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol) increases therisk of CNS depression [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Dosage adjustments ofAMBIEN and of other concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when AMBIEN isadministered with such agents because of the potentially additive effects.

1. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy.
2. In primarily depressed patients treated withsedative-hypnotics, worsening of depression, and suicidal thoughts and actions(including completed suicides), have been reported.
3. Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
4. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records.
5. AMBIEN (zolpidem tartrate) is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. 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 least 4 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. Depression is a serious condition that can cause a lack of sleep.

Generic Name(S): zolpidem

They’ll monitor you closely for signs of misuse, dependence, or addiction. If you need help remembering to take your dose of Ambien on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone. If you’re age 65 years or older, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dosage of Ambien for you. This is to reduce your risk of side effects from this medication.

If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This is brominated and reacted with 2-amino-5-methylpyridine to give the imidazopyridine. From here the reactions use a variety of reagents to complete the synthesis, either involving thionyl chloride or sodium cyanide. These reagents are challenging to handle and require thorough safety assessments.[57][58][59] Though such safety procedures are common in industry, they make clandestine manufacture difficult. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

What are the usual dosages of Ambien?

Ambien and Ambien CR are not recommended for use in people with severe liver disease. Other medications can affect the removal of zolpidem from your body, which may affect how zolpidem works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), rifampin, St. John’s Wort, among others. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch.