Ambien

Insomnia

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Ambien

What is Ambien

Zolpidem

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Zolpidem, also known as Ambien, is a medication used to treat insomnia. It helps people to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up less often during the night. Zolpidem is generally safe, with a low risk of side effects, withdrawal, or addiction when taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It has also been found to improve sleep quality in people with chronic insomnia and show mild muscle relaxant properties. In some cases, it can also help patients in a vegetative state following a brain injury.

Ambien

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Ambien Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Ambien

Zolpidem

1993

361

Effectiveness

How Ambien Affects Patients

This drug can cause drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness and other changes in motor skills. For this reason, the recommended starting dose for women is 5 mg before bed, with 7-8 hours left before waking, and 5 or 10 mg for men. Studies have not found significant memory impairment the morning after taking the drug, however some people may experience a condition called "anterograde amnesia" (forgetting recent events) if they take more than 10 mg. It is important to be alert and avoid activities that require complete mental alertness or coordination, like driving or operating machinery, after taking this drug.

How Ambien works in the body

Zolpidem is a drug used to cause sleepiness. It works differently than benzodiazepines, which are similar drugs. Zolpidem binds to specific parts of the GABA receptor, a type of receptor that helps control nerve firing. It targets the alpha 1, 2 and 3 subunits of the receptor, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas. This binding helps stop nerve signals, causing relaxation and sleepiness. Zolpidem can help people fall asleep without causing muscle relaxation or affecting other stages of sleep.

When to interrupt dosage

The degree of Ambien is subject to the declared malady. The extent of dosage is contingent upon the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated - Oral or Tablet - Sublingual) specified in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Insomnia

, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 10.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 3.5 mg, 1.75 mg

, Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Spray, metered, Spray, metered - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet - Sublingual, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual

Warnings

Ambien Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Zolpidem may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Ambien.

Common Ambien Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Zolpidem.

Azelastine

Major

Zolpidem may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Dacomitinib

Major

The metabolism of Dacomitinib can be decreased when combined with Zolpidem.

Deutetrabenazine

Major

The risk or severity of sedation and somnolence can be increased when Zolpidem is combined with Deutetrabenazine.

Erlotinib

Major

The metabolism of Erlotinib can be decreased when combined with Zolpidem.

Ambien Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of zolpidem in male rats is 695mg/kg. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion and drowsiness, followed by a decrease in heart rate and breathing that could be fatal. Sudden stop of taking the drug may cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Long-term use of zolpidem has been found to cause tumors in some rats, but not in mice. It also did not show any mutagenic activity in tests. It may affect fertility, but no effects were seen in rats. Pregnant women should only take zolpidem if the benefits outweigh the risks, and it should

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Ambien Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ambien?

At present, 82 active studies are being conducted to investigate the potential of Ambien to alleviate Insomnia.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Insomnia

0 Actively Recruiting

Ambien Reviews: What are patients saying about Ambien?

5

Patient Review

12/18/2021

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

It worked well for me. I understand that some people have strange side effects while on it, like sleep-eating or driving. Ambien should only be taken when you can sleep undisturbed, and shouldn't be mixed with alcohol. If you experience any negative side effects, stop taking the medication and speak to a doctor.

5

Patient Review

12/18/2021

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

As long as you follow the instructions and don't abuse it, this drug is perfectly safe. It's only when people start taking it for reasons other than what it's prescribed for that problems occur. So just be smart about it and you'll be fine.

5

Patient Review

9/9/2022

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

This sleep aid is excellent. I was able to fall asleep and stay asleep all night, which is something I haven't been able to do in years.

5

Patient Review

10/5/2022

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've been taking ambien for 15 years with no issues. I cut a 10mg pill in half and take it four hours before I want to sleep. This allows me to get up once during the night without disrupting my sleep too much.

5

Patient Review

11/12/2021

Ambien for Difficulty Falling Asleep

I've been taking zolpidem for five years now and it's really helped me. I usually sleep great when I take it, with no side effects that I can tell. My doctor says I should try to wean myself off, but whenever I don't take it I have a lot more trouble sleeping. So, for me at least, the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

5

Patient Review

5/8/2022

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

This treatment was stress-free and easy to use. I had a good experience overall.

4.7

Patient Review

12/18/2021

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

If you're experiencing negative effects from this medication, stop taking it. There are many other options available that don't come with the same risks. Additionally, avoid alcohol while taking this (or any) medication.

4.3

Patient Review

4/6/2022

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

This medication has been effective in helping me fall asleep every night.

4.3

Patient Review

7/14/2021

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've been taking this medication for over a decade now to help with my sleep. It's been working well for me.

4

Patient Review

1/26/2022

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Blurry vision, acid reflex. I would recommend this treatment to others but be sure to also get some help for the side effects if you can.

3.3

Patient Review

4/6/2022

Ambien for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Ambien only gave me four hours of sleep, and that's with the 10 mg dose. I also experienced irregular heartbeats, which was really unpleasant. It did knock me out quickly though.

1

Patient Review

7/31/2021

Ambien for Difficulty Falling Asleep

I'm a therapist, and I've heard so many negative things about Ambien from my clients. It's addictive and can cause people to do things they don't remember, fall without knowing it, wake up with bruises, and more. I'm really concerned that this medication is so readily available and prescribed by doctors.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about ambien

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Ambien like Xanax?

"The drugs Ambien and Xanax are both used to treat insomnia, though Xanax is not officially approved for this purpose. Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic, while Xanax is a benzodiazepine."

Answered by AI

Is Ambien a good sleeping pill?

"Zolpidem, more commonly known as Ambien, is a sleep aid medication that slows down activity in the brain to allow for sleep. The immediate release form of the medication dissolves quickly to help induce sleep. The extended release version has two layers, with the first helping the user fall asleep and the second designed to dissolve slowly to help them stay asleep."

Answered by AI

Is a Ambien a narcotic?

"Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic medication used to induce and maintain sleep. Ambien works by depressing the central nervous system, similar to how a narcotic would."

Answered by AI

What happens when you take Ambien?

"Abusing Ambien at high doses can result in a rush of energy and euphoria, but can also lead to drowsiness, confusion, and clumsiness, which in turn increases the risk of accidents and injuries."

Answered by AI