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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Drug interactions are adverse reactions that occur when you take two or more drugs together. Taking certain medications with food, beverages, supplements, or in the presence of certain medical conditions can also lead to drug interactions and adverse effects. This article will describe some of the drug interactions of zolpidem (Ambien)—a drug used to treat insomnia.What type of medicine is zolpidem tartrate (Ambien)?Zolpidem tartrate (brand name: Ambien, Ambien CR) belongs to a group of medicines called sedative-hypnotic drugs. It is used for the treatment of insomnia (trouble falling asleep and staying asleep). This medicine works by slowing activity in the brain and thereby allowing you to fall asleep. Studies evaluating sleep have shown that Ambien can decrease sleep latency (help you fall asleep faster), increase total sleep time, reduce nighttime awakenings, and preserve sleep stages. The immediate-release Ambien helps you fall asleep when you first go to bed. Whereas the extended-release formula consists of 2 layers — the first layer helps you fall asleep, then the second layer releases the drug slowly to keep you asleep.What are Ambien CR (zolpidem) doses?Ambien (zolpidem) should not be given to children.For immediate-release tablets: Only take one dose a day as needed for sleep immediately before bedtime; the recommended dose is 5 mg for women and 5 to 10 mg for men.The recommended dose is 5 mg for older patients.For extended-release tablets: Only take one dose a day as needed for sleep immediately before bedtime; the recommended dose is 6.25 mg for women and 6.25 mg to 12.5 mg for men.The recommended dose is 6.25 mg for older patients.Other zolpidem products include sublingual tablets that are placed under the tongue (Intermezzo, Edluar) 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg, and an oral spray (Zolpimist) of 5 mg per actuation. How to take Ambien?CNS drugs (sedative-hypnotics) like Ambien start working within 30 minutes, and the peak drug effect occurs in 1-2 hours. This medicine should therefore be taken immediately before bedtime when there are at least 7-8 hours remaining before the planned awakening time. You should not take zolpidem tartrate tablets with a meal or immediately after a meal since food can slow down the effects of Ambien. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for certain patient populations, including frail individuals, the elderly, and people with health conditions that affect the breakdown of Ambien, such as hepatic insufficiency (reduced liver function). Studies have found that those who do not have normal hepatic function do not clear this medicine as well as others. Therefore a lower dose of 5 mg should be prescribed to elderly patients, frail individuals, and those with moderate hepatic impairment or severe hepatic impairment. Dose adjustments are often necessary for patients who take zolpidem with other CNS depressant drugs since this drug combination can further dampen the central nervous system leading to respiratory depression.Remember that Ambien helps in the short term with sleep initiation and maintenance. It is not for chronic insomnia. Ambien is usually prescribed for two weeks or less to people with impaired
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