Ambien Directions For Use

Generic Name: Zolpiden

Ambien is commonly used to treat sleep disorders such as trouble falling asleep, waking up many times during the night, or waking up too early in the morning.

Ambien is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease prior to taking lansoprazole. You may not be able to take lansoprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Do not take lansoprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Take Ambien exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water just before bed time. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose too long before you are ready for sleep. Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you.

Do not stop taking Ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ambien will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Ambien should be taken just before bedtime but you may experience some carryover effects the next day. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien.

Do not share Ambien with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.

Stop taking Ambien and seek emergency medical attention if you experience: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion.

Continue to take Ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; depression; muscle aches or pains; vivid or abnormal dreams; or amnesia (memory loss) after a dose. Ambien is habit forming.

Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Ambien may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.

Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ambien. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter medicines.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.