What is Ambien?
Ambien is the brand name for Zolpidem. People use it primarily to treat sleeping problems temporarily. Ambien decreases the sleep onset time by approximately 15 minutes, and when taken at large doses, Ambien helps people stay asleep longer. This medication is available in oral spray, conventional tablets, or sublingual tablets. It would be best if you took Ambien by mouth. Guidelines suggest using Ambien medication only after implementing behavioral changes, like sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Important information
Do not take more Ambien than prescribed. Do not take Ambien unless you can stay in bed a whole night (seven to eight hours) before you must be active again. Take Ambien immediately before you get in bed, and not sooner. The use of Ambien may impair driving skills resulting in an increased risk of road traffic accidents. This adverse side effect is not unique to Ambien but also occurs with other hypnotic medications.
Side effects of Ambien
The most common side effects of short-term use of Ambien include diarrhea, dizziness, and drowsiness. The common side effects of long-term use of Ambien include sore throat, drugged feeling, heart palpitations, amnesia, abnormal dreams, flu-like symptoms, depression, sinusitis, sleep disorder, and back pain. Ambien increases the risk of depression, poor driving, falls and bone fracture, and suppressed respiration.
Lower and upper respiratory infections are also common. Residual ‘hangover’ effects, like impaired psychomotor and cognitive function and sleepiness, may persist into the day following nighttime consumption. Such effects can impair the ability of its users to drive safely, and it also may increase the risks of falls and bone fractures.
Precaution
Use Ambien as prescribed by your doctor for short-term treatment of insomnia. Take it just before bedtime and ensure you have 7-8 hours of sleep available. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives while on Ambien. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects. Consult your doctor for individualized guidance.
