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Why Soma Is Prescribed
AMBIEN INFORMATION:
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
hazardous activities. Zolpidem will cause drowsiness and may cause
dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these
activities. Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime but you may
experience some carryover effects the next day. • Do not drink alcohol
while taking zolpidem. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase
dizziness while you are taking zolpidem, which could be dangerous. • Do
not stop taking zolpidem suddenly if you have been taking it for several
weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable.
Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with zolpidem.
WHAT IS
AMBIEN:
Zolpidem is in a class of drugs called sedative / hypnotics or sleep
medications. Zolpidem affects chemicals in your brain that may become
unbalanced and cause insomnia. • Zolpidem induces sleep and causes
relaxation. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as trouble falling
asleep, waking up many times during the night, or waking up too early in
the morning. Zolpidem is for short-term use only--usually 7 to 10 days.
Longer-term use must be monitored closely by a doctor. • Zolpidem may
also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
HOW TO USE
AMBIEN:
Take zolpidem exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to
explain them to you. • Take each dose with a full glass of water. • Take
zolpidem just before you go to bed. It will make you drowsy, and you
could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose too long before you
are ready for sleep. • Do not take more of this medication than is
prescribed for you. • Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly if you have
been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal
symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to
stop treatment with zolpidem. • Store zolpidem at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
AMBIEN
SIDE EFFECTS:
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
zolpidem and seek emergency medical attention: · an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
face, or tongue; hives); or · hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or
severe confusion. • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely
to occur. Continue to take zolpidem and talk to your doctor if you
experience · headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; · nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; · depression; · muscle aches or
pains; · vivid or abnormal dreams; or · amnesia (memory loss) after a
dose. • Zolpidem is habit forming. Stopping this medication suddenly can
cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several
weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication. • Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
AMBIEN
PRECAUTIONS:
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
hazardous activities. Zolpidem will cause drowsiness and may cause
dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these
activities. Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime, but you may
experience some carryover effects the next day. • Do not drink alcohol
while taking zolpidem. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase
dizziness while you are taking zolpidem, which could be dangerous. •
Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including
over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are
taking zolpidem unless your doctor directs otherwise.
AMBIEN
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Zolpidem may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives
(used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle
relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and
do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. • Drugs other than
those listed here may also interact with zolpidem. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
AMBIEN
NOTES:
Your pharmacist has additional information about zolpidem written for
health professionals that you may read.
AMBIEN
MISSED DOSE:
Since zolpidem is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep,
missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose only if
you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the
dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience
carryover effects from zolpidem after you wake up.
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
AMBIEN:
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a zolpidem overdose may include sleepiness, confusion,
dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness.
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