Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. It is classified as a sedative-hypnotic that helps induce sleep by increasing the chemicals in the brain that cause a person to fall asleep. Ambien becomes less effective when it is used over long periods of time, so it is typically prescribed only for short-term use. Ambien is a brand-name drug manufactured by Sanofi Aventis. The generic name is zolpidem.
Take Ambien
Most people are prescribed Ambien to be taken orally in pill form. Take the pill on an empty stomach at least two hours after last eating a meal. Because it works quickly, you should not take the pill until immediately before going to bed. Also, be sure you can get a full night of sleep--seven or eight hours--if you are going to take Ambien. In rare cases, Ambien can cause drug-seeking behavior such as addiction. To prevent this, follow your doctor's directions and do not increase your dose or take it for longer than prescribed.
Side Effects
Some people taking Ambien may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, headaches, nausea, sluggishness, a feeling of being drugged, dry mouth, nose or throat irritation and stomach upset. None of these is cause for concern, but because dizziness and drowsiness can result, it's best to avoid driving and other tasks requiring concentration until you know how Ambien will affect you.
In rare cases, patients taking Ambien may develop serious side effects requiring medical treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: chest pain; difficulty swallowing or breathing; severe dizziness; shortness of breath; vision changes; a fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory problems; abnormal thinking; confusion; behavior changes; decreased coordination; fainting; mental or mood changes; and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Warnings
Most people can safely take Ambien, but some should not. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with kidney, liver, heart, lung, breathing or metabolism problems, those with a condition called myasthenia gravis and those in poor general health should not take Ambien. Also, patients taking Ambien should avoid drinking alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness while also taking Ambien because it can intensify the effects.
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