How should I take Ambien (zolpidem tartrate)?

Take Ambien exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on the prescription label and any medication guides if provided. The dose may be increased or decreased based on your response. Never take a larger or smaller amount than the prescribed dose. Read all medication guides and instruction sheets provided to you.

Take Ambien only once per night immediately before bedtime, with at least 7-8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. Never take Ambien if you do not plan to have a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep; it will increase the risk of daytime drowsiness, leading to impairment of driving and other activities that require mental alertness.

Ambien is may be habit-forming and can cause misuse, addiction, overdose, and death. It is against the law to give away or sell Ambien. Do not share Ambien with another person even if they have the same symptoms as you. The dose of Ambien is different between men and women because Ambien clearance is lower in women. Ambien is not indicated to be used in children. Elderly patients and people with severe liver disease also have lower clearance of Ambien. Misuse of this medication can cause severe side effects.

Do not discontinue Ambien abruptly after long-term use, as it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will give you instructions for gradual dose reduction to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms if you want to stop taking Ambien.

Ambien is for short-term use. Ambien should not be used for longer than 4 to 5 weeks without instructions from your healthcare provider. After using Ambien for 7 to 10 nights in a row, tell your doctor if your insomnia is not improving or getting worse.

After discontinuation of Ambien, your insomnia symptoms may return. In some cases, worsened insomnia may occur. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. 

The extended-release tablet (Ambien CR) must be swallowed whole; do not break, crush, cut, or chew them.

Eating food may slow down the effects of Ambien.

Do not open the blister pack that contains the sublingual tablet until you are ready to take it. Please the sublingual tablet under your tongue, and wait for it to dissolve. Do not swallow the sublingual tablet or take it with water. 

Before using the spray for the first time, or if you have not used the spray for 14 days, you must prime the spray. Follow the directions on the package label of the oral spray.

Missed dose: Since Ambien is to be taken as needed, you will likely not miss a dose. However, suppose you forget to take Ambien before your intended bedtime. In that case, you can still take it as long as you can remain in bed for 7 to 8 hours before waking.

Storage: Keep the medication in its original container; keep it tightly closed, out of reach of children, pets, and other people. Like any other medications dispensed only with prescriptions, it should not be shared with anyone. Many people store their medications in the bathroom; this is not recommended due to moisture and heat. Do not freeze Zolpimist (zolpidem oral spray); Zolpimist should be stored upright.

Unused medicine: Like other prescription medications, do not take Ambien after the expiration date. You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Since Ambien is a controlled substance, the best way to dispose of it is through the Drug Take-Back Programs sponsored by FDA. You can also inquire for more information about these programs through local pharmacies. You can also learn more about proper medication disposal.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have more questions or concerns about Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), talk to your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that this information applies to you or your family member.

Discounted prices for Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) start at $8.34.

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