ambien alternative
Zolpidem (zole PI dem)
What is the most important information I should know about Ambien?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities.Ambien will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness ambien alternative. If you experiencedrowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.Ambien should be taken justbefore bedtime ambien alternative. You may experience some carryover effects the next day ambien alternative.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien ambien alternative. Alcohol will increase drowsinessand may increase dizziness while you are taking Ambien, which could be dangerous ambien alternative.
• Do not stop taking Ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for morethan 1 or 2 weeks ambien alternative. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable ambien alternative. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Ambien ambien alternative.
What is Ambien?
• Ambien is in a class of drugs called sedative/hypnotics or sleep medications ambien alternative. Ambien affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and causeinsomnia ambien alternative.
• Ambien induces sleep and causes relaxation ambien alternative. It is used to treat sleepdisorders such as trouble falling asleep, waking up many times during the night,or waking up too early in the morning ambien alternative. Ambien is for short-term use only--usually7 to 10 days ambien alternative. Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor ambien alternative.
• Ambien may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide ambien alternative.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ambien?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease;or
· are depressed or have suicidal thoughts ambien alternative.
• You may not be able to take Ambien, or you may require a lower dose orspecial monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listedabove ambien alternative.
• Ambien is in the FDA pregnancy category B ambien alternative. This means that it is unlikelyto harm an unborn baby ambien alternative. Do not take Ambien without first talking to your doctorif you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment ambien alternative.
• Ambien passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby ambien alternative. Do nottake this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feedinga baby ambien alternative.
• If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from Ambien ambien alternative. You may require a lower dose of this medication ambien alternative.
• Ambien is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 18years of age ambien alternative.
How should I take Ambien?
• Take Ambien exactly as directed by your doctor ambien alternative. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you ambien alternative.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water ambien alternative.
• Take Ambien just before you go to bed ambien alternative. It will make you drowsy, and youcould fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose before you are ready forsleep ambien alternative.
• Take Ambien only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before youmust be active again ambien alternative.
• Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you ambien alternative.
• Do not stop taking Ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for morethan 1 or 2 weeks ambien alternative. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable ambien alternative. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Ambien ambien alternative.
• Store Ambien at room temperature away from moisture and heat ambien alternative.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Since Ambien is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep,missing a dose will not cause any problems ambien alternative. Take the missed dose only if youcan be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the dose ambien alternative. Ifyou do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effectsfrom Ambien after you wake up ambien alternative.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention ambien alternative.
• Symptoms of a Ambien overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness,difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness ambien alternative.
What should I avoid while taking Ambien?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities ambien alternative. Ambien will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness ambien alternative. If you experiencedrowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities ambien alternative. Ambien should be taken justbefore bedtime ambien alternative. You may experience some carryover effects the next day ambien alternative.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien ambien alternative. Alcohol will increase drowsinessand may increase dizziness while you are taking Ambien, which could be dangerous ambien alternative.
• Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counterpreparations ambien alternative. They should not be used while you are taking Ambien unless yourdoctor directs otherwise ambien alternative.
What are the possible side effects of Ambien?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingAmbien and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or
· hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion ambien alternative.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur ambien alternative. Continueto take Ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience
· headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
· depression;
· muscle aches or pains;
· vivid or abnormal dreams; or
· amnesia (memory loss) after a dose ambien alternative.
• A problem that may occur when sleep medicines are stopped is known as"rebound insomnia." This means that a person may have more troublesleeping the first few nights after the medicine is stopped than before startingthe medicine ambien alternative. If you should experience rebound insomnia, do not get discouraged ambien alternative. This problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights
• Ambien is habit forming ambien alternative. Stopping this medication suddenly can causewithdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks ambien alternative. Talkto your doctor about the safe use of this medication ambien alternative.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur ambien alternative. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome ambien alternative.
What other drugs will affect Ambien?
• Ambien may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used totreat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants ambien alternative. Tellyour doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicineunless your doctor approves ambien alternative.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ambien ambien alternative. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines, including herbal products ambien alternative.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Ambien written for healthprofessionals that you may read ambien alternative.
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