Description
Zolpidem is used for short-term treatment of insomnia. It reduces sleep onset time and frequent awakening at night. This medicine improves sleep maintenance and therefore ensures sound sleep.
Zolpidem should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably just before going to bed. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it is habit-forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include memory loss, hallucinations, agitation, headache, vertigo, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and back pain. It may also cause fatigue, stomach pain, double vision, and depression. However, these are temporary and resolve on their own after some time. Please consult your doctor if these bother you or do not away.
Zolpidem also causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you and do not take alcohol with it as it may worsen the dizziness. Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine.
Before taking Zolpidem inform your doctor about all other medicines that you are taking, so that your doctor can advise if taking this medicine is right for you. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are suffering from any liver or kidney problems. You should avoid smoking and alcohol while using this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not use this medicine. However, if the need arises, please consult your doctor before using it.
USES OF ZOLPIDEM
Insomnia
Insomnia is having problems with falling asleep or staying asleep. It is a common complaint occurring in almost one-tenth of the adults. Children also suffer from insomnia.
BENEFITS OF ZOLPIDEM
In Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which there is difficulty in falling or staying asleep at night. Zolpidem helps treat insomnia as well as improves sleep quality. Zolpidem works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. This helps you relax and feel more energetic. It also helps you concentrate better and improves your quality of life.
With Zolpidem, your sleep problems should improve within 7 to 10 days. Apart from this, it is advisable to make some lifestyle changes to sleep better.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ZOLPIDEM
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Zolpidem:
- Memory loss
- Vertigo
- Vomiting
- Back pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Stomach pain
- Agitation
- Double vision
- Depression
HOW TO USE ZOLPIDEM
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Zolpidem is to be taken empty stomach.
HOW ZOLPIDEM WORKS
Adco-Zolpidem belongs to a group of medicines called non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. It has hypnotic, sedative, and anticonvulsant (manages fits) properties. It works by binding of the GABAA receptor chloride channel macromolecular complex (a chemical messenger) that slows the activity of the nerve cells in the brain and helps fall asleep.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Zolpidem may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Zolpidem may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zolpidem is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Zolpidem may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zolpidem is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of it is recommended.
However, inform your doctor if you have any kidney disease.
Liver
CAUTION
Zolpidem should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of it may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Zolpidem is generally started at a low dose in patients with mild to moderate liver disease and is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
