Ambien (Zolpidem Tartrate)

Ambien is a medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, specifically for people who have trouble falling asleep at bedtime. Ambien is a federally controlled substance because it has abuse potential.

Ambien has abuse potential and can cause dependence. Mental and physical dependence can occur with the use of Ambien when it is used improperly for long periods of time. Keep Ambien in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Ambien can harm others, and is against the law. Tell your doctor if you have ever abused or have been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. Tell your doctor if your insomnia gets worse or is not better within 7-10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem. Ambien can cause a serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help right away if you develop swelling of your tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting. Ambien can cause you to get up out of bed while not being fully awake and engage in activities that you do not know you are doing (such as driving a car [“sleep-driving”], making and eating food, talking on the phone, having sex, or sleep-walking). Tell your doctor right away if you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking Ambien. Ambien can also cause you to have abnormal thoughts or behavior. Tell your doctor if you experience more outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, worsening of your depression, or suicidal thought or actions.