Brand Names: Ambien, Edluar, Stilnox, Zoldem.
Generic Name: Zolpidem.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic, or sleep medicine. It works by helping to increase certain natural chemicals in the brain that cause sleep.

How to Take
Before start taking any new medicine please consult with a doctor. The recommended dosage for adults is 10 mg right before bedtime. Your doctor will prescribe a smaller dose if you are likely to be sensitive to the drug or have a liver problem. Never take more than 10 mg of Zolpidem per day.

Warning and Precautions
Zolpidem may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zolpidem with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Zolpidem; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
When you first start taking Zolpidem, it may have a "carryover" effect on you the next day. Use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness (eg, driving a car).
Zolpidem is usually used only for a short period of time. If your symptoms do not get better within 7 to 10 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or amnesia. To prevent memory problems, be sure to use Zolpidem only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your health care provider if you think you are having memory problems.
Some patients taking Zolpidem have performed certain activities while they were not fully awake. These have included sleep-driving, making and eating food, making phone calls, and having sex. Patients often do not remember these events after they happen. Such an event may be more likely to occur if you use a high dose of Zolpidem. It may also be more likely if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that may cause drowsiness while you use Zolpidem. Tell your doctor right away if such an event happens to you.

Important
If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zolpidem while you are pregnant. Zolpidem may cause prolonged sleep in the fetus when used during the last weeks of pregnancy. Zolpidem is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zolpidem, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, severe drop in blood pressure.If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Storage
Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.

Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  allergy, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, drugged feeling, headache, indigestion, nausea. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Zolpidem. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store the medication with an end term of its storage.