Ambien, also known as Zolpidem, is a sleeping pill for insomnia. This medication is intended for short-term use and is usually prescribed to people with difficulty falling asleep. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called non-benzodiazepine sedative sleeping pills. It acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Unlike benzodiazepines, Zolpidem affects only specific subtypes of GABA receptors, which makes it more transparent and reduces the risk of side effects.

Indications for Use

Ambien is usually prescribed by doctors for the short-term treatment of insomnia, primarily when problems are related to falling asleep. It may also be helpful for people who have trouble maintaining sleep throughout the night. However, this medication is not recommended for long-term use because of possible side effects and the risk of addiction.

Taking Ambien at home:

• Do not exceed the recommended dose and frequency of taking this medication.
• The sublingual tablets should be held under the tongue until completely dissolved. After 2 minutes, the drug can be swallowed. Allow the medicine to dissolve completely before swallowing.
• The tablets should be stored at room temperature.
• Lorazepam in liquid form should be kept in the refrigerator.
• This drug can be addictive if you use it for a long time. Watch for signs of drug abuse.
• Please do not give the drug to others or use it as directed.
• Please do not take the drug when it is past its expiration date.
• Taking this medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness and increase the risk of falls. Do not drive or do anything dangerous until you know your reaction to the drug.
• If taking lorazepam causes a stomach upset, take it with food.
• The drug in liquid form can be mixed with a bit of water, juice, pudding, or applesauce just before taking it. Measure the dosage with the measuring device included in the kit.
• Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal of the product.

You should take a dose of the drug as soon as possible if you miss it. Do not do so only if little time is left before the next dose. Never double the amount the next time you take it. Possible long-term effects. Long-term use may cause drug resistance or dependence in some patients, and frequent use of the drug in small children before medical procedures may cause long-term damage to the brain.

Side Effects

Although Zolpidem is safer than many other sleeping pills, it can still cause side effects. These may include dizziness, headaches, memory problems, and rare drowsiness such as dreaming, sleepwalking, and drowsy driving.

Interaction with other Drugs

Ambien may interact with other medications, altering their effectiveness or increasing their side effects. Some examples of drugs Ambien may interact with include antidepressants, antihistamines, anticoagulants, and other sleeping pills. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbs.

Dosage and Application Method

Ambien's dosage depends on the patient's needs and is usually 5 mg or 10 mg before bedtime. Following the doctor's recommendations and not exceeding the specified dose is essential. The drug should be taken before bedtime and only when the patient can sleep fully for 7-8 hours.

Dependence and Withdrawal from the Drug

Prolonged use of Ambien can lead to physical and mental dependence. Because of this, doctors usually recommend short-term treatment and a gradual decrease in the dose before discontinuing the drug. Abruptly stopping Ambien can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, memory disturbances, and seizures.

Conclusion

Ambien is an effective treatment for insomnia, but its use should be strictly controlled and limited to short-term use. It is essential to consult a physician before starting the drug and strictly follow their recommendations for dosage and duration of treatment.