Tablets
Chemical Name: ZOLPIDEM (zole-PI-dem)

Common uses
This medicine is a sedative-hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking sodium oxybate. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ketoconazole, rifampin, or certain HIV medicines (such as ritonavir). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, liver problems, lung or breathing problems (such as COPD, sleep apnea), myasthenia gravis, metabolism problems, heart or blood pressure problems, very poor health, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Inform your doctor if you have a history of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood or mental problems (such as depression), suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or alcohol or substance abuse or addiction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. THIS MEDICINE WORKS VERY QUICKLY; take this medicine right before going to bed. Use it only when you will be able to sleep 7 to 8 hours or longer. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once. DO NOT TAKE more than your total daily dose in any 24 hour period.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. This medicine may cause dizziness or daytime drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR if you continue to have trouble sleeping or notice changes in your behavior or thinking. SOME PATIENTS TAKING THIS MEDICINE have performed certain activities while they were not fully awake. These have included sleep-driving, making and eating food, making phone calls, and having sex. Patients often do not remember these events after they happen. Such an event may be more likely to occur if you use a high dose of this medicine. It may also be more likely if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that may cause drowsiness while you use this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if such an event happens to you. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines for sleep. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine especially dizziness, headache, and hallucinations. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness (including daytime drowsiness), "drugged" feeling, dry mouth, or sluggishness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience abnormal thinking, behavior changes, confusion, decreased coordination, hallucinations, memory problems (such as memory loss), mental or mood changes (such as aggression, agitation, anxiety, depression), or vision changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, or suicidal thoughts or actions. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, clumsiness, slowed heart rate, and deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.