How do i take ambien

It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. Usually, this medicine is limited to short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. How to use Ambien Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zolpidem and every time you refill it. Take this medicine orally as directed by your doctor, on an empty stomach, usually once in the night. Since zolpidem is working quickly, take it right before you get to bed.

Don't take it with or after a meal, because it won't work as quickly. Do not take a dose of this medicine unless you have a full night sleep time of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss, and you may have trouble doing any activity that needs to be done safely.

Dosage is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other medications you may take, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams per day. Women have usually prescribed a lower dose because the drug is removed from the body more slowly than men do. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects. If you suddenly stop using this medicine, you may have symptoms of withdrawal such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness.

Your doctor may lower your dose slowly to help prevent withdrawal. Withdrawal is more likely if you have been using zolpidem for a long time or at high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a withdrawal right away.

Although it helps a lot of people, it can sometimes cause addiction. Take this medicine the same as prescribed to reduce the risk of addiction. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. This medication is taken as needed. You may take zolpidem even if it is later than the usual time, as long as you will be able to remain in bed for the required number of hours after you take it.

Zolpidem may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture not in the bathroom. Do not freeze zolpidem oral spray.

Store the zolpidem oral spray bottle upright. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.

To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Do not let anyone else take your medication.

Zolpidem is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Zolpidem pronounced as zol' pi dem. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?

If you have sleep apnea, you may already have lower oxygen levels. For people with liver disease: If you have liver problems or a history of liver disease, you may not be able to process this drug well.

This may increase the levels of the drug in your body and cause more side effects. It may also cause a serious condition called hepatic encephalopathy. With this condition, the poor function of your liver causes problems with the way your brain works. Symptoms can include being confused, forgetting things, and slurring your speech.

If you have severe liver damage, you should not use zolpidem. Research in animals has shown negative effects to the fetus when the mother takes zolpidem. Studies have shown that when mothers take this drug late in their third trimester, their newborns can have slowed breathing and excessive sleepiness.

Your doctor will monitor your newborn closely if exposure to zolpidem occurred during your pregnancy. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. And call your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

For women who are breastfeeding: Zolpidem may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor about breastfeeding your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The liver of an older adult may not work as well as it used to. This raises your risk for side effects, such as sedation and decreased alertness. You may also be more sensitive to these effects. Zolpidem oral tablet is used for short-term treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can include muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, flushing reddening and warming of your skin , and emotional changes. These can include nervousness, panic attacks, or uncontrollable crying. Never stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep. A prescription for this medication is refillable. Since zolpidem is a Schedule IV controlled substance, your doctor may refill this medication up to five times in 6 months. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues during your treatment. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug.

These issues include:. Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it. Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. There are other drugs available to treat your condition.

Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.