Ambien (Zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotic that doesn’t cause addiction and daytime drowsiness. Moreover, adverse reactions associated with Ambien treatment were not different in frequency to those observed in patients treated with placebo. Due to its short half-life, Ambien can be used not only before bedtime, but also in the middle of the night (in patients with intrasomnia who wake up multiple times a night).

Nearly 28–45% of population suffers from sleep-wake cycle alterations. Half of these cases require special diagnostics and treatment. Lack of night sleep may exacerbate somatic diseases, while the treatment of insomnia increases the effectiveness of the treatment of somatic disorder. One of the most effective medicines for the treatment of sleep disorders is Ambien.

Zolpidem reduces sleep latency and wake after sleep onset and increases deep sleep and REM sleep (which represent the most important parts of sleep). As a rule, after taking the recommended dose of Zolpidem, patients wake up easier in the morning and don’t feel sleepy, sluggish or exhausted during the day. Ambien meets all requirements for sleeping drugs.

Indications for use

Ambien is used to treat the following sleep problems in adults:

• difficulty falling asleep;
• nocturnal awakenings;
• early morning awakenings;
• severe insomnia.

Ambien can be used to treat both transient and chronic insomnia. However, it is only intended for short-term use. Ambien must not be used for the treatment of depression.

Dosage and administration

Food intake doesn’t affect the effectiveness of the drug. Take Ambien 30-40 minutes before bedtime with a glass of water. Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage.

Duration of treatment depends on the individual factors. Therefore, therapy should be carried out under strict medical supervision.

Recommended dosages:

• situational insomnia - 2-3 weeks;
• transient insomnia – 2-5 days;
• chronic insomnia – 1-4 weeks;
• patients with nocturnal asthma attacks require individual dose adjustment.

In patients with pulmonary, liver or kidney insufficiency, as well as elderly people, treatment should be initiated with 5 mg (half a pill); if necessary, it can be increased to the recommended daily dose (10 mg). Don’t take Ambien for longer than 4 weeks. To repeat the course of Ambien, patient should undergo another medical examination.

Side effects

At recommended doses, Ambien usually doesn’t cause side effects. However, a severe overdose of Ambien can cause the following symptoms:

• amnesia;
• behavioral disorders;
• aggressiveness;
• sleepwalking;
• confusion or altered state of consciousness;
• rebound insomnia;
• psychological or physiological dependence;
• speech disorders;
• depression;
• movement disorder;
• dizziness;
• ataxia;
• hallucinations;
• euphoria;
• headache;
• low sex drive;
• skin rash;
• diplopia;
• hypotension;
• angioedema;
• hives and other allergy symptoms;
• asthenia;
• hypotension;
• vomiting;
• anorexia;
• diarrhea;
• weight loss.

We should note that in case of overdose, patients may experience a bitter taste or dryness in the mouth. In some cases, elevated liver enzymes have been reported.

Contraindications

Ambien has the following contraindications:

• sleep apnea;
• acute renal or kidney dysfunction;
• exacerbation of pseudo paralytic myasthenia gravis;
• acute respiratory failure;
• hypersensitivity;
• glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• congenital glucose-galactose intolerance;
• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• age under 18 years.

Caution is advisable in using Ambien in persons with a history of drug or alcohol addiction, as well as those drinking alcohol or taking other psychiatric drugs due to a high risk of drug abuse or addiction.

Interactions

Ambien must not be mixed with drinks and medications containing alcohol. Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of Trimipramine and enhances the CNS depressing effect of anxiolytic, antidepressant, antihistamine, sedative, anticonvulsant and antipsychotic drugs.