Zolpidem is a medication to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder in which the sufferer has difficulty starting to fall asleep, wakes up frequently during sleep, or wakes up too early and cannot fall back to sleep. This medicine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
Zolpidem will affect chemicals in the brain that reduce the stimulation of nerve cells. This will help people with insomnia to fall asleep faster, sleep longer and have better quality sleep. This medicine should only be used in the short term.
Zolpidem trademarks: Stilnox, Zolmia, Zolpidem Tartrate, Zolta, Zudem
- What is Zolpidem
- Class Prescription drugs
- Category Tranquilizers
- Benefits Treats insomnia
- Consumed by adults and elderly
- Zolpidem for pregnant and lactating women Category C: Studies in experimental animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Zolpidem may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.
- Tablet and caplet form
- Warnings Before Taking Zolpidem
Zolpidem should not be taken carelessly and must be as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things you should consider before taking zolpidem, including:
1.Do not take zolpidem if you are allergic to this medicine. Tell your doctor about any allergy history you have.
2.Do not consume alcoholic beverages or grapefruit during treatment with zolpidem as it may increase the risk of side effects.
3.Do not take zolpidem if you have or are suffering from sleep apnea or myasthenia gravis.
4.Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, alcoholism, respiratory system disorders, drug abuse, suicidal ideation, or other mental disorders such as depression or psychosis.
5.Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform activities that require alertness after taking zolpidem, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
6.Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
7.Tell your doctor if you are using certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
8.See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking zolpidem.Zolpidem Dosage and Usage Rules
The dose of zolpidem to treat insomnia can vary for each patient. The following is a division of the dose based on the form of the drug and the age of the patient:
Immediate release tablet form
Adults: 5-10 mg taken just before bedtime. Maximum dose is 10 mg per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
Elderly: 5 mg taken just before bedtime. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.Slow release (extended release) tablet form
Adults: 6.25-12.5 mg just before bedtime. Maximum dose of 12.5 mg per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
Elderly: 6.25 mg right before bedtime. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
How to Take Zolpidem Correctly
Always follow the doctor’s instructions and read the information contained on the drug packaging before taking zolpidem.
Zolpidem tablets should be taken before going to bed at night on an empty stomach. Swallow zolpidem tablets whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or crush the medicine.
Do not increase or decrease the dosage as well as start or stop the use of the drug without first consulting a doctor. Do not take zolpidem for longer than the time prescribed by the doctor as it may lead to dependence and withdrawal syndrome.
While on medication, to help with insomnia, practice sleep hygiene by not consuming caffeinated beverages close to bedtime, sleeping on a regular schedule, not taking long naps, and creating a comfortable atmosphere for sleep.
Store zolpidem in a dry place, at room temperature, and out of direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Zolpidem Interactions with Other Medicines
Concomitant use of zolpidem with other drugs may cause several interaction effects, including:
Increased risk of severe drowsiness and impaired activity if used with antipsychotics, anesthetics, other sedatives, anticonvulsants, or antihistamines.
Increased risk of hallucinations if used with antidepressants, such as bupropion, fluoxetine, or sertraline
Increased risk of respiratory distress, severe drowsiness, coma, or even death if used with ritonavir or opioid medications, such as morphine or codeine
Decreased effectiveness of zolpidem when used with rifampicin
Increased risk of side effects if used with ketoconazole Side Effects and Dangers of Zolpidem
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after taking zolpidem:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headache
Weakness
Diarrhea or stomach pain
Nightmares
Back pain
Nasal congestion or signs of respiratory infectionSee a doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or any of the following serious side effects:
Sleeplessness that does not get better
Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Feeling like you are going to pass out
Seizures
Blurred vision
Very heavy headache
Tingling in the hands or feet
Hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts