Sleep & Ambien (Zolpidem)

Ambien Tips

 

• Zolpidem is not absorbed quickly if taken with food. This may reduce the onset of action.
• Patients with a lower body weight may require a 5 mg dose or the 6.25 mg immediate-release form.
• As a general rule, Zolpidem should not be prescribed in amounts greater than a 1-month supply. However, the use of Zolpidem CR is not limited to short-term use.
• The risk of dependence may increase with the dose and duration of treatment.
• However, treatment with selective non-benzodiazepine hypnotics may develop less tolerance or dependence than benzodiazepine hypnotics.
• Controlled-release tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be divided, crushed or chewed.

When many patients apply to doctors of various specialties, complaints of sleep disorders are quite common, although they are not a reason to visit a doctor. It is much less common for complaints of sleep disturbance to come to the forefront. Many doctors in their practice, without establishing the true cause of sleep disturbance, easily prescribe sleeping pills.

 

However, it is known that sleep disturbance can be one of the manifestations of various diseases, physiological and pathological conditions, as well as a consequence of drug exposure. This should be taken into account when choosing a method of corrective therapy. It should also take into account the high frequency of self-medication and over-the-counter sale of some sleeping pills, which can not only aggravate the clinical situation, but also contribute to the risk of serious adverse reactions.

 

Side effects

 

In rare cases, serious and sometimes fatal side effects may occur with this medication in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

 

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blistering or peeling, possibly combined with fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat area.
• The appearance or worsening of behavioral or emotional disorders such as depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Hallucinations (the person sees or hears things that are not really there).
• Confusion of consciousness.
• Lack of mental clarity.
• Difficult, slow, or shallow breathing.
• Change in balance.
• Change in vision.
• Memory impairment or loss.

Use of this medicine has been associated with the occurrence of a very severe reaction called angioedema. Sometimes this reaction can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyelids, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or uncharacteristic hoarseness of the voice. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

 

Long-term use:

 

• The original studies with the immediate-release formulation were not evaluated for long-term use.
• Zolpidem CR is not prohibited for long-term use.
• Insomnia during the latter part of the night, or increased anxiety during the day is less common with the controlled-release formulation

 

Special Precautions

 

Ambien should be used with caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, and in the elderly due to an increased risk of falls and injury.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

Elderly, respiratory failure, especially psychoticism, depression, history of alcohol or drug abuse. Risk of anterograde amnesia, psychotic and paradoxical reactions (more common in the elderly), sleepwalking and decreased level of consciousness (which may lead to falls and therefore serious injury). After prolonged use, there is a risk of developing tolerance, physical and mental dependence.

 

Conclusion

 

Ambien (Zolpidem) is effective in improving sleep quality in people suffering from insomnia. However, it is important to use it strictly as prescribed by a doctor and watch out for possible side effects. Improper use or prolonged use of Ambien can lead to dependence, tolerance, or other undesirable effects.