Ambien (zolpidem) tips from pharmacists

• Let your healthcare provider know if you want to discontinue Ambien (zolpidem), so they can guide you to reduce the doses gradually.

• Make sure you have a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep before taking Ambien to avoid daytime drowsiness and tiredness. 

• Call your doctor if you experience any complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-driving or sleep talking.

• Let your doctor know if you have trouble breathing or any lung disease since taking Ambien can worsen that condition. 

• The extended-release formulation (Ambien CR) should not be cut or crushed. 

• Don’t take Ambien with alcohol or any illicit drug as their interaction can cause serious adverse events.

• Don’t take Ambien with any drugs that can make you drowsy, such as sleep medications, anti-anxiety medications, opioid pain reliever, medications for seizures, cold, and allergies.