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WHAT TO KNOW

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zolpidem Tartrate 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 IT

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 TAKE THIS MEDICATION

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.

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.

OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a zolpidem overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness.

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)
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
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.

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

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.

NOTES

Your pharmacist has additional information about zolpidem written for health professionals that you may read.