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Zolpidem

Brand: Ambien

Sedative-hypnotic (C-IV)Used for: InsomniaCNS & Psychiatric
Boxed warning

Complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and sleep-eating; stop the drug if they occur.

Caution
Next-morning impairment: women use the lower 5 mg dose because they clear it more slowly.

Common side effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Next-day grogginess
  • Memory problems

Key interactions

  • Adds to alcohol and other sedatives
  • Opioids increase sedation risk
  • Certain antifungals raise its levels
  • Avoid other CNS depressants

Counseling points

  • Take right before bed with time for full sleep
  • Do not take with alcohol
  • May cause sleep-walking or sleep-driving
  • Use caution driving next morning
  • Take only when able to sleep 7-8 hours
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