Case Evaluation

Ambien: Frequently Asked Questions About Ambien

Ambien FAQ

What is Ambien?

Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) belongs to a class of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow down the nervous system. Used for the treatment of insomnia, Ambien is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.

Does Ambien cause amnesia (memory loss)?

In some cases, Ambien and other sleep medicines can cause a special type of memory loss or "amnesia." When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between using Ambien and the time its effects wear off. In order to avoid memory problems, make sure to take Ambien only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again.

Are there any special precautions I should observe before taking Ambien?

Because sleep medicines may lose their effectiveness if they are used every night for a long time, they should only be used for short periods of time (such as 1 or 2 days) and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks. Talk to your healthcare professional if you think you need to take Ambien for more than 7 to 10 days. Also, Ambien may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy, unsteady, or less alert. Make sure you know how you react to Ambien before you drive, use machines, or perform any activity that requires alertness, good coordination, or the ability to think and see well. If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking Ambien, be sure to discuss it with your healthcare professional. Stopping Ambien use suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects. Your healthcare professional may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely. After taking Ambien for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) for the first few nights after you stop taking it.

What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Ambien?

You should tell your healthcare professional if you have or have had any unusual or allergic reaction to Ambien or to other substances (foods, preservatives, dyes); are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; abuse alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse; abuse drugs or have a history of drug abuse, or a dependence on certain drugs; have emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung disease; have mental depression; have sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep); have kidney disease; or have liver disease.

Are there any interactions between Ambien and other drugs or foods?

Ambien and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements - especially if you drink alcohol or take other CNS depressants.

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