What is Ambien Cr
ZolpidemThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryZolpidem, also known as Ambien, is a medication used to treat insomnia. It helps people fall asleep faster, stay asleep for a longer period of time, and reduces the number of times they wake up during the night. Zolpidem is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk for addiction or withdrawal. In addition, it can improve sleep quality in people with long-term insomnia and has mild muscle relaxant properties. Research has also found that zolpidem can help restore brain function in people in a vegetative state due to brain injury.
Ambienis the brand name
Ambien Cr Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Ambien
Zolpidem
1993
357
Effectiveness
How Ambien Cr Affects PatientsThis drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other changes in thinking and behavior. Generally, women should take a single dose of 5mg and men should take either 5mg or 10mg right before bedtime with at least 7-8 hours before they plan to wake up. Studies have found that this drug does not typically cause memory issues the next day. However, people taking it may experience a condition called anterograde amnesia, which is when you have trouble remembering things after taking the drug. It is important to be cautious when doing activities that require alertness and coordination, like driving or operating machinery,
How Ambien Cr works in the bodyZolpidem is a drug that induces sleep and has a chemical structure different from benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and related drugs. It works by binding to the GABA-BZ receptor complex. This complex is mainly regulated by the alpha (α) subunit, also known as the benzodiazepine (BZ) or omega (ω) receptor. Zolpidem binds specifically to the BZ1 receptor, which is found on certain areas of the brain, and does not affect other receptor subtypes like benzodiazepines do. This binding explains why zolpidem does not have
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested measure of Ambien Cr is contingent upon the indicated affliction. The dosage fluctuates in line with the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated - Oral or Tablet - Sublingual) outlined in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Insomnia
12.5 mg, , 6.25 mg, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 3.5 mg, 1.75 mg
Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Sublingual, , Spray, metered, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Sublingual, Tablet, coated - Oral, Sublingual, Tablet, Tablet, film coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Kit - Oral, Oral, Spray, metered - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Kit, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Ambien Cr has one contraindication and should not be merged with the conditions shown in the following table.Ambien Cr ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Zolpidem may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Ambien Cr 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 Cr Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of zolpidem for male rats is 695mg/kg. Overdosing on zolpidem can cause drowsiness, coma, and even fatal respiratory and heart problems. Withdrawal from zolpidem can cause similar symptoms to those of other drugs that act on the central nervous system. In animal studies, zolpidem did not cause cancer, birth defects, or damage fertility. Zolpidem is considered a pregnancy category C drug due to a lack of conclusive studies in pregnant women. Small amounts of zolpidem can be passed into breast milk, so caution should be taken
Ambien Cr Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ambien Cr?
Currently, 82 active clinical trials are assessing the effectiveness of Ambien CR in providing relief for individuals suffering from Insomnia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Insomnia
85 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Ambien Cr Reviews: What are patients saying about Ambien Cr?
5Patient Review
9/4/2017 Ambien CR has been really effective for me. It can take a little while to kick in, but it's well worth the wait. I also take 0.25 mg of Xanax 1/2 hour before taking Ambien CR, which seems to help me sleep even better. All in all, I highly recommend this medication.
5Patient Review
4/3/2021 This treatment completely cured my brain damage.
5Patient Review
12/23/2015 If you want to get the most out of this treatment, take it as needed on an empty stomach. I've found that it's best to only use it when I know I can get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. On rare occasions, I'll take two if I really need a good night's rest.
4.3Patient Review
3/1/2022 Zolpidem 12.5 mg was great at first, but then I started waking up in the middle of the night after a couple months and couldn't get back to sleep. My doctor took me off it completely and now I'm stuck being sleep deprived with no other options. Amitriptyline 50mg doesn't help much with sleeping, but it has reduced my anxiety levels some.
4Patient Review
9/6/2015 This medication helped me sometimes, but it only worked if I took it on an empty stomach. With my work schedule, that wasn't always possible. Additionally, I woke up a lot during the night while taking this medication. It helped with falling asleep initially, but not with staying asleep.
3.7Patient Review
1/10/2015 I've been using this medication for years now, and it's still just as effective as when I started. No negative side effects to report.
3.7Patient Review
12/30/20133.7Patient Review
12/21/2020 Helped me fall asleep but didn't mix well with other cold medications. I also felt nauseous when I woke up in the morning.
3Patient Review
1/30/2014 Ambien CR 12.5 worked well for me for the two years I took it, but with 1 mg of lorazapem an hour before to wind me down (generic of Ambien - zolpidem did not help at all). After two years, I am waking up several times in the night and having trouble going back to sleep. I am fortunate when I get 6 hours of sleep. This once gave me 8-9, leaving me feeling rested. Now, I am tired all of the time.
3Patient Review
4/5/2022 I took Ambien 5 mg for a month when I stopped taking Lorazepam. That actually worked well; however, without any sleep medication, I would only sleep a few hours. Ambien gives me 4 hrs of sleep, which is not enough. The doctor switched me to 10 mg; however, that gave me maybe 5 hours of deep sleep with weird dreams. Ambien also gave me irregular heartbeats. I will go back to Lorazepam as it gives 7-8 hrs of sleep with no side effects.
2.7Patient Review
5/31/2014 I had to increase my dosage, but that only made the side effects worse. I drove to a store, came home and tried to drive over a curb and fell on my nightstand. I have no memory of this but a ding on my car and massive bruses on my leg, arm and eye. I thought it was great for the first 2 years, but after this and charging over 500 on my credit card, I knew I had to go off it. Big withdrawal.
2.3Patient Review
10/25/2017 I've been taking this for a week to help with my severe insomnia (regular ambien was only giving me 2-3 hours of sleep per night). The first night, I got 4 weird hours of sleep with odd dreams. Now, however, I'm back at square one with only 2-3 hours of sleep per night. Has anyone else found this treatment ineffective?
1Patient Review
9/13/2017 Save your money and just buy the regular Ambien. The 10 mg works just as well as the CR, but it's cheaper and you'll get the same amount of sleep.
1Patient Review
2/25/2021 I've been on Ambien for ten years now, and it's been great most of the time. Recently, though, it stopped working as well as it used to. I asked my doctor if I could switch to Ambien CR, and after a week or so I started having serious problems sleeping through the night. Even when I do manage to fall asleep, I'm still waking up at 1 AM.
Patient Q&A Section about ambien cr
When should I take AMBIEN CR?
"Doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase your risk of side effects. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole.
the following text
This medication is meant to be taken by mouth on an empty stomach, as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a night, right before you get into bed. Zolpidem works quickly, so it is important to take it right before you need it. Do not take it with or after a meal, as this will delay how quickly it works. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets, as this will cause the entire dose of the drug to be released at once, which could increase your risk of experiencing side effects. Instead, swallow the extended-release tablets whole." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What does CR mean in AMBIEN?
"This means the drug is released slowly into your body over time. The recommended dose of Ambien CR is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg once daily just before bedtime.
Ambien CR is a type of sedative that is used to help people with sleeping disorders. It is designed to be released slowly into the body over time. The recommended dose is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg once daily just before bedtime." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is difference between AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?
"AMBIEN is a prescription medicine used to treat adults who have trouble falling asleep. AMBIEN CR is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with trouble falling asleep and/or waking up often during the night. AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR are not recommended for use in children under the age of 18 years." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How many hours does AMBIEN CR last?
"The half-life of Ambien and Ambien CR is about 2.5 hours." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer