It works by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in the brain, causing you to feel sleepy. Zolpidem is a medication that’s often prescribed to help with insomnia, or trouble sleeping. This article will explain what you need to know about zolpidem and what to expect when taking it. This medication also causes a higher risk of falls and fractures in people who are 65 years of age and older.īecause of these risks, you should always talk with your healthcare provider before taking zolpidem. Zolpidem can cause many concerning side effects, such as changes in behavior, abnormal thinking, sedation, and even driving while asleep. These atypical benzodiazepines are different from typical benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), or diazepam (Valium), in that they are used to treat insomnia but not anxiety. This sleep medication - along with zaleplon(Sonata) and eszopiclone(Lunesta) - is widely prescribed and known for its lack of a “hangover” effect.
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To help prevent unconscious activity, don’t take a sleeping pill if you have less than eight full hours available for sleep.Zolpidem is the generic version of the sleep medication Ambien, which is also available in a longer-acting form known as Ambien CR. You should never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. The risk of this side effect is greater if you drink alcohol or use other central nervous system (CNS) depressants while taking either of these drugs. It’s possible to do these things and have no memory of them later. Some people taking these drugs sleepwalk or do unusual things in their sleep, such as: hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real).depression or worsened depression and suicidal thoughts.behavior changes, such as becoming more aggressive, less inhibited, or more detached than normal.Rare side effectsīoth drugs have the potential for some rare but serious side effects, including: If you feel lightheaded or sleepy, don’t drive or use dangerous machinery.
You may also have continued sleepiness during the day. Common side effectsĬommon side effects of both drugs are lightheadedness and dizziness. Women seem more likely to be affected because their bodies process the drug more slowly. For some people, this drug caused lingering effects the morning after taking it.
In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety announcement for Ambien. They can adjust the dosage up or down as needed. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose to keep the side effects to a minimum. With either medication, your dosage will be based on your gender, age, and other factors. So it’s best to take them on an empty stomach. Also, they won’t work well if you eat a heavy or high-fat meal before you take them. It’s important that you don’t take them unless you have time for seven or eight hours of sleep.
You take these drugs just before you’re ready to go to bed. Your doctor may have you try the immediate-release form first, and then switch you to the extended-release form if needed. The typical dosage of extended-release Ambien is 6.25 mg for women and 6.25 mg to 12.5 mg for men. For the immediate-release tablets, it’s 5 mg per day for women and 5 mg to 10 mg per day for men. If that doesn’t work, your doctor will increase it slowly. The typical dose of Lunesta is 1 milligram (mg) per day, for both men and women.
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