Take Ambien exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.
The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Zolpidem may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. The recommended doses of Ambien 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.
Never take this medicine if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.
Ambien is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 or 5 weeks without your doctor's advice.
Do not stop using Ambien suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medicine.
Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking Ambien, and may be even worse than before. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia for the first few nights after you stop taking this medicine.
Do not crush, chew, or break an Ambien CR tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
 Detailed Ambien dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Ambien is taken only at bedtime if needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of zolpidem can be fatal, especially when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness.
Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.
