Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zolpidem and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. The recommended doses of zolpidem 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.
Zolpidem may impair your thinking or reactions. 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.
Never take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed.
Do not take zolpidem if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.
Before taking this medicine
Some people using zolpidem have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to zolpidem. The tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose.
Zolpidem is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts;
drug or alcohol addiction;
lung disease or breathing problems;
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or
liver or kidney disease.
Taking zolpidem in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause drowsiness or breathing problems in your newborn.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take zolpidem?
The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children.
Take zolpidem exactly as prescribed by your doctor, Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more or increase your dose.
Zolpidem may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Never take Ambien, Edluar, or Zolpimist if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.
Do not take Intermezzo for middle-of-the-night insomnia unless you have 4 hours of sleep time left before being active.
Zolpidem 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.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Keep the Zolpimist bottle upright when not in use.
Do not stop using zolpidem suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking zolpidem, and may be even worse than before. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking zolpidem.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since zolpidem 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.
