MedicineNet.com
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A


Medication Written by Pharmacists Reviewed by Doctors

GENERIC NAME: zolpidem

BRAND NAME: Ambien, Zolpimist

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem is closely related to a family of sedatives called benzodiazepines. These drugs cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure), and reduce anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant and anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is used as a medication for sleep. The oral spray form of zolpidem, Zolpimist, has more rapid absorption than the tablet form because it is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATION: Tablets, 5 and 10 mg. Oral spray, 5mg/spray

STORAGE: Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature in a tight container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. It has been shown to put patients to sleep more rapidly and keep them asleep longer. Sleeping medications generally are not prescribed for more than 10 days and are usually taken intermittently as needed to avoid problems with addiction or habituation, loss of effectiveness, and rebound phenomena.

DOSING: Zolpidem tablets should be taken without food at bedtime to induce a rapid onset of sleep. Zolpidem is eliminated by the liver, and doses need to be decreased in patients with liver dysfunction (e.g., hepatitis). Lower doses should be used in the elderly because of their decreased ability to eliminate zolpidem from the body.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol has an additive effect with zolpidem and the two should not be combined. Zolpidem should be used cautiously in patients with respiratory diseases because of its depressing effect on breathing. Zolpidem has few drug interactions with other medicines; however, caution should be used when combining it with other sedative drugs because of the additive effects. Zolpidem used at higher dosages can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures) when the drug is abruptly discontinued. Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion, paradoxical insomnia or "complex sleep-related behaviors which may include sleep-driving (driving with no memory of having done so). If these side effects occur, zolpidem should be discontinued.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of zolpidem are drowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling, which probably reflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes.


Last Editorial Review: 4/23/2007




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • eszopiclone, Lunesta - Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine, oral, sedative drug (sleeping pill) that is used for treating insomnia.
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Read about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks), causes (war, traumatic events), effects (depression, suicide) and treatment (medications, exposure therapy).
  • Sleep - Read about how to get a healthy nights sleep, how much sleep is enough, and why skimping on sleep can lead to poor performance, health, and moods.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

Sleep Disorders

Get tips for better sleep.




Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Pinpoint Your Symptoms - Start Now Symptoms & Signs A-Z List Symptoms & Signs by Female Body Region Symptoms & Signs by Male Body Region

Topics Related to zolpidem, Ambien


zolpidem
RSS FeedSpecialty RSS       Add to My Yahoo! What is this?

Snoring Cure Snoring Cure
If you're ready to say goodnight to chronic snoring, a new cure could be right under your nose.See more WebMD Videos »




Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network











Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Search Help | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.