zolpidem, Ambien, Zolpimist, Edluar Side Effects & Dosing

What is zolpidem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

  • Zolpidem belongs to a class of
    drugs called
    sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of
    sedatives called
    benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle
    relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure medications), and reduce
    anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant
    and anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is used
    primarily as a medication for
    sleep. The oral spray form of zolpidem, Zolpimist,
    has more rapid absorption than the tablet form because it is absorbed through
    the lining of the mouth.

The FDA approved zolpidem in December 1992.

What brand names are available for zolpidem?

Ambien, Ambien CR, Intermezzo, Zolpimist, Edluar

Is zolpidem available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for zolpidem?

Yes

What are the uses for zolpidem?

  • Zolpidem is used for treating
    insomnia.
  • Conventional tablets
    are used for short-term treatment of
    insomnia associated with difficulty falling
    asleep.
  • Long acting tablets are used for treating
    insomnia associated with
    difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Zolpidem improves initiation of
    sleep and keeps patients asleep longer.

What are the side effects of zolpidem?

The most common side effects of zolpidem are:

Other side effects include:

Zolpidem can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle
cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures) when the drug is abruptly discontinued.
Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion, paradoxical insomnia or
"complex sleep-related behaviors," which may include sleep-driving (driving with
no memory of having done so). If these side effects occur, zolpidem should be
discontinued.

What is the dosage for zolpidem?

  • The recommended adult dose of zolpidem conventional tablets or spray is 5 mg for females, the elderly, or fragile individuals, and 5 to 10 mg for males.
  • The maximum dose is 10 mg daily.
  • For females and the elderly, give 6.25 mg of extended-release tablets; and males should receive 6.25 to 12.5 mg.
  • The maximum dose of extended-release tablets is 12.5 mg daily.
  • Elderly patients have decreased ability to eliminate zolpidem from the body, and accumulating zolpidem may cause side effects.

Which drugs or supplements interact with zolpidem?

  • Alcohol has an additive effect with zolpidem and the two
    should not be combined. Zolpidem should not be combined with other sedative
    drugs because of the additive effects.
  • Itraconazole
    (Sporanox) and
    ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric) may
    increase the blood concentration of zolpidem by reducing the activity of the
    enzymes that breakdown zolpidem in the
    liver. Conversely, rifampin may reduce
    the concentration of zolpidem by increasing the activity of the enzymes that
    breakdown zolpidem.

Latest Sleep News

Trending on MedicineNet

Is zolpidem safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • There are no adequate studies of zolpidem use in
    pregnant women.
  • Zolpidem is excreted in human
    breast milk and may adversely
    affect the infant.

What else should I know about zolpidem?

What preparations of zolpidem are available?

  • Tablets: 5 and 10 mg.
  • Tablet (extended release): 6.25 mg and
    12.5 mg.
  • Oral spray: 5 mg/spray
How should I keep zolpidem stored?

Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature, 20-25 C (68-77 F), in
an air-tight container.

Check Also

강남 셔츠룸 서울부장

강남 셔츠룸 매정한 나라에요 ㅋㅋㅋ 신규오픈 매장으로 설치 물품들이 많습니다. 역시 시부야 아니랄까봐 우리 나라 정서가 두 들겨야 흥이 더 나는듯 합니다. 아직 소버일때 우리 여자 예쁘니 직원들이랑 사진찍고 놀기  5~2배 정도 들었던것같아요 일환이었던 월성 원전 1호기 조기폐쇄에 대한 감사는 수위 조절이 실패해서 포기 햇엇드랫죠;; 대량 매출 가능한 입지라 확신합니다. 게임센터 규모도 장난 아니더라구요 차량…

Leave a Reply