Zolpidem
Description
Zolpidem is a hypnotic and sedative which is used in severe sleep disorder. This medicine may increase the risk of habit forming tendency if taken for a long duration or at larger doses. Do not stop abruptly taking this medicine as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Zolpidem
- Unsteadiness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or Vomiting
Uses of Zolpidem
What is it prescribed for?
- Insomnia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes to 2 hours of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 7 to 8 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
- Is it habit forming?Habit forming tendency has been reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. It may cause respiratory depression in the neonates. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is known to excreted in breast milk. It is used in pregnant women only if necessary. Monitoring of excessive sleep, weakness and others changes in the behavior is necessary.
Allergy
Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Zolpidem.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. It may cause respiratory depression in the neonates. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is known to excreted in breast milk. It is used in pregnant women only if necessary. Monitoring of excessive sleep, weakness and others changes in the behavior is necessary.
General warnings
Withdrawal symptoms
Zolpidem should not be stopped immediately without informing the doctor due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety. Gradual dose reduction should be made based on the outcomes in the patient.
Impaired liver function
Zolpidem should be used with caution in the patients with mild to moderate liver injury. Lowest possible doses should be initiated and increase the dose based on the patient's response. This medicine is not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment.
Suicidal thoughts
Use of benzodiazepines in depression conditions may increase the risk of suicide. Therefore this medicine should be used with caution and prescription size should be limited in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies.
Dependency
Zolpidem have the tendency to cause dependency and abuse particularly after prolonged use or excessive dosages. Individuals with a history of alcohol or substance abuse should be treated carefully when they are on Zolpidem. The withdrawal of this medicine should be tapered off gradually.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Zolpidem, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Concomitant use of sedative and hypnotics with alcohol will increase the central nervous system and respiratory system depression.
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
Interaction with Medicine
Opoids
Antihypertensives
Disease interactions
Depression
Zolpidem should be used with caution in the patients with the history of depression or a family history of depression. The prescription size should be limited. Any symptoms of mood changes should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Zolpidem as instructed by your doctor. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by decreasing the excitability of brain cells and induces sleep.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 6 May 2017]. Available from:
Zolpidem: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 6 May 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Zolpidem tartrate tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 6 May 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 6 May 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 6 May 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 20 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.