What is Ambien?

Ambien is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Ambien is used to treat insomnia. This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Precautions

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This sleep medicine will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Stilnox should be taken just before bedtime. You may experience some carryover effects the next day. Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien sleeping pill. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking this drug, which could be dangerous. Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are taking Ambien sleeping pill unless your doctor directs otherwise.

How should I take Ambien?

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Ambien is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take Ambien for longer than 4 or 5 weeks without your doctor's advice.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Ambien after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Dose of Ambien for Insomnia

The recommended starting Ambien dosage is Ambien 10 mg, taken immediately before bed.

For people who are taking other medicines that affect the brain, have liver disease, or are older, the recommended starting dose may be Ambien 5 mg.

Special warnings about Ambien

When you first start taking Ambien, until you know whether the medication will have any "carry over" effect the next day, use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Older adults, in particular, should be aware that they may be more apt to fall.

Use Ambien cautiously if you have liver problems. It will take longer for its effects to wear off.

If you take Ambien for more than 1 or 2 weeks, consult your doctor before stopping. Sudden discontinuation of a sleep medicine can bring on withdrawal symptoms ranging from unpleasant feelings to vomiting and cramps.

When taking Ambien, do not drink alcohol. It can increase the drug's side effects.

If you have breathing problems, they may become worse when you use Ambien.

Ambien side effects

Continue taking Ambien and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
• weakness, lack of coordination;
• amnesia, forgetfulness;
• vivid or abnormal dreams;
• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
• headache, muscle pain; or
• blurred vision.

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.