Why is this medication prescribed?
Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.
Who is Zolpidem for?
Zolpidem was developed to offer short-term treatment for temporary insomnia sufferers. The drug is a non-benzodiazepine, but use can become habit-forming and is not suited to long-term use. Most adults have experienced at least one short-lived bout of insomnia in their lives. Zolpidem is used effectively as a kick-start for situations like this: in which you’ve slipped into an insomnia rut and need a little help getting your sleep-wake cycle back on track.
Zolpidem can be used to relieve symptoms from any of the three types of insomnia: sleep onset, middle of the night, and late insomnia.
How Zolpidem works to treat insomnia?
Anyone who’s taken Zolpidem knows it works very rapidly, sometimes before you an even get to bed if you’ve taken before you’re prepared. And the drug generally leaves you without a hangover the following morning, which makes it quite popular. This hypnotic drug is an intense muscle relaxant that lets your body simulate a sleep-wake cycle. The true purpose of Zolpidem is to put you to sleep quickly – so no lengthy sleep latency – and help you sleep soundly for a full night’s rest, what most insomnia sufferers are missing.
Take one Zolpidem tablet just before bed with a glass of water and as prescribed by your doctor. Elderly patients are usually prescribed a half dose.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Like every controlled substance Zolpidem comes with its share of potential side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Nightmares
- Agitation or antagonistic mood in the morning
- Amnesia (in high doses)
- Headache
- Rare fatal overdoses have been reported.
Zolpidem may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze zolpidem oral spray. Store the zolpidem oral spray bottle upright. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.