Zolpidem Extended Release Oral Tablet (ZOLPIDEM EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL)

For sleeping.

Brand Name(s): Ambien

Generic Name: Zolpidem Tartrate CR

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Sleep medicines should only usually be used for a few days at a time. When sleep medicines are used for more than a few weeks, they may not work as well. Speak with your doctor about how often you should take this medicine to help you sleep.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

If you have been on this medicine for more than a week, do not suddenly stop taking it without your doctor's approval. It could worsen your symptoms.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use this medicine unless you are able sleep for full 7-8 hours.

Sleep medicines may sometimes cause you to forget what happened while you were on the medicine. To prevent this, try to use this medicine only when you are able to get a full 8 hours of sleep at night.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not operate machinery or drive while on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness during daytime

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • loss of balance
  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • memory problems or loss
  • mood changes
  • unusual behavior during sleep such as walking, talking, cooking, eating, making phone calls or driving
  • suicidal thoughts
  • unsteadiness while walking

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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