Classification:
Sleep Aid
Ambien - normal release tablet that helps a person fall asleep.
Ambien CR - continuous release tablet that helps a person fall asleep and stay asleep because of its extended release properties.
Form:
- Ambien
- 5mg tablet (rust color)
- 10mg tablet (white)
- Ambien CR
- 6.25mg tablet (pink)
- 12.5mg tablet (blue)
Dosage:
- Ambien - One 5mg or 10mg tablet at bedtime as needed to sleep.
- Ambien CR - One 6.25mg or 12.5mg tablet at bedtime as needed for sleep.
Instruction:
- Take with a full glass of water on an empty stomach.
- Don't stop taking Ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for an extended period of time; unpleasant withdrawal symptoms will occur.
- Take Ambien exactly as prescribed and no more often than prescribed.
- Ambien should only be taken before bed if needed to sleep. Don't take extra doses or at other times during the day.
- Take the lowest effective dose and only take if necessary.
Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor:
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., wheezing or difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
- Changes in vision
- Confusion
- Depressed mood
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Falling down
- Hallucinations
- Problems with balance, speaking, or walking
- Restlessness, excitability, or feelings of agitation
- Unusual activities while asleep, such as driving, eating, or making phone calls
Drug to Drug Interactions:
Ambien can have adverse affects if taken with:
- Herbal medicines (e.g., St. John's Wort)
- Drugs to treat fungal infections (e.g., fluconazole)
- Some antidepressants (e.g., Zoloft)
- Some HIV medications (e.g., Norvir)
- Other sleep aids
Special Warning:
- Sleeping medications, including Ambien, can and will cause a physical dependence on the medication if taking for prolonged periods of time.
- Don't drive or operate power tools or machinery after taking Ambien.
- Keep Ambien (and all medications) locked up and away from children.
- Ambien should not be taken with sedatives, alcohol or recreational drugs.
- The dose may need to be adjusted in the elderly and people with liver disease.
- There are warnings for the use of Ambien in patients with depression, myasthenia gravis and respiratory disease.
