Description

Section 1 – What is Ambien/Zolpidem used for?
Zolpidem tartrate, or Ambien as it is more commonly known, is a hypnotic sedative used for the treatment of insomnia. A person is said to suffer from insomnia if they experience problems falling asleep at night or remaining asleep during the night. This product is a highly effective treatment for insomnia on a short term basis and is in fact the most commonly prescribed sleeping medication in the USA. This FDA approved medication has an effective timespan of up to 8 hours and is available in either 5mg or 10 mg strength pills.

Section 2 – What you need to know before taking Ambien / Zolpidem
There are circumstances when caution should be used before taking Ambien and under some circumstances it may not be a suitable choice of treatment. A doctor will be able to fully advise you regarding your suitability to use this product as a treatment for sleeplessness. Seek medical advice if:
– you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse
– you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
– suffering from a breathing condition such as emphysema, bronchitis or asthma
– suffering from myasthenia gravis (a nerve disorder which causes muscle weakness)
– allergic or sensitive to any ingredient contained in zolpidem tartrate
– experiencing problems with depressionor any personality disorder
– there is a history of kidney or liver disease
– if elderly
– you suffer from sleep apnea
Under rare circumstances some people may suffer adverse reactions arising from the use of Ambien. This may include breathing problems, swelling of the lips, face, throat and tongue, however, it must be stressed that these complications are extremely rare. Ambien should not be taken continually for more than 4 weeks otherwise withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. These may include stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea and increased anxiety. After cessation of use, it is also possible to experience problems with sleeping. This is due to a condition called ‘rebound insomnia’ but this problem usually disappears within a day or two. If you have any concerns regarding any other conditions you may be experiencing, it is always advisable to consult your doctor. Only a medical professional can confirm whether Ambien is suitable or recommended for your use.

Section 3 – How to take Ambien / Zolpidem
The usual recommended dosage of Ambien is one 10 mg tablet swallowed whole with water before bedtime. Do not chew the pills as this may result in too much of the medication being released at one time. There are circumstances when the recommended dose is 5 mg. People with impaired liver function or elderly patients may be more susceptible to the effects of this medication and so a dose of 5 mg before bedtime is more appropriate. This medication should not be taken by persons under the age of 18 years old.

Section 4 – Side effects when using Ambien / Zolpidem
This medication, like many other medications, does come with its share of side effects. For instance, the drug has been linked to some forms of memory loss and confusion if taken at the wrong time of day. This, however, should not be a problem if taken as directed, i.e. just before sleep is required. Common side effects arising from the use of Ambien may include dizziness and/or drowsiness (especially for older people), changes in taste, a dry mouth and feeling tired during the day, particularly at the start of treatment. Less common side effects may include anxiety, nausea, headaches, changes in libido, confusion, development of a rash and memory problems. Even though this medicine is taken before bedtime, occasionally some users feel inactive and drowsy the following day. It is important that you accurately gauge your reaction to Ambien before you operate machinery, drive or do anything that could pose danger if you are feeling disoriented. It must be stressed that the vast percentage of people only experience mild side effects with this medication. More serious side effects are rarely encountered when following the correct usage guidelines.