How long zolpidem work

You may become very sensitive to light, noise and being touched. Speak to the doctor first about coming off zolpidem. They may recommend reducing your dose of zolpidem slowly, over a few days or weeks.

This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms if you've been taking it for more than 4 weeks. If zolpidem makes you sleepy, dizzy or clumsy, gives you blurred vision or you cannot concentrate or make decisions, do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery. This may be more likely when you first start taking zolpidem, but could happen at any time — for example, when starting another medicine.

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking zolpidem. There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking zolpidem will reduce fertility in either men or women.

But speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you and your partner are trying for a baby. Your doctor may review your treatment. Zolpidem does not affect how contraception works, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. Do not have drinks that contain caffeine while you're on zolpidem. These include coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks and hot chocolate. Alcohol and zolpidem together can make you sleep very deeply, so you do not breathe properly and can have difficulty waking up.

If this happens to you, do not do any activities that require you to be fully alert, such as driving, cycling, or using tools or machinery. Using cannabis with zolpidem will make its sleep-inducing sedative effects worse. You could go into a very deep sleep, where you have difficulty waking up. Using heroin or methadone with zolpidem may also increase the sedative effects of both drugs. Again, you could go into a very deep sleep and have difficulty waking up.

There are a number of things you can do to help yourself beat insomnia :. Page last reviewed: 15 November Next review due: 15 November Zolpidem On this page About zolpidem Key facts Who can and can't take zolpidem How and when to take it Side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions. About zolpidem Zolpidem is a sleeping pill.

Zolpidem comes as tablets. It's only available on prescription. Zolpidem takes around 1 hour to work. You'll usually take it for just a few weeks up to 4 weeks.

Common side effects are a metallic taste in your mouth or a dry mouth, and feeling sleepy in the daytime. Do not drink alcohol or caffeine while you're on zolpidem. Zolpidem is also called by the brand name Stilnoct. Zolpidem can be taken by most adults aged 18 and over. To make sure zolpidem is safe for you, tell a doctor if you: have had an allergic reaction to zolpidem or any other medicines in the past have liver or kidney problems have myasthenia gravis , an illness that causes muscle weakness have breathing problems or sleep apnoea where you stop breathing for short periods while sleeping have ever had mental health problems have ever had issues with alcohol or drugs are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Zolpidem tablets come in 2 different strengths — 5mg and 10mg. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it. Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.

However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Lunesta and Ambien are sedative-hypnotics. They decrease brain activity and calm the body, helping you fall asleep. Learn the differences and…. Ambien helps millions achieve better sleep, but many have experienced strange and dangerous side effects. Here are some of them.

When taken as directed, Ambien is not likely to cause erectile dysfunction ED. If you do experience ED, speak with your doctor.

Pregnant and having trouble falling or staying asleep? Find out if Ambien is a safe option to treat insomnia during pregnancy. Insomnia treatment can include lifestyle changes, behavioral therapies, or medications. Learn about the treatment options. Insomnia can affect your overall health. Infrequent insomnia can often be alleviated through home remedies. Learn how mindfulness, lavender oil, and other home remedies can help.

If you experience anxiety or insomnia, you might want to try taking valerian root as a remedy. Magnesium has become a popular sleep aid. Learn the effects of magnesium on the body, particularly on the processes that promote sleep. Do you have trouble sleeping? Your diabetes may be the cause. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Zolpidem, Oral Tablet.

Highlights for zolpidem. Zolpidem oral tablets are available as both generic and brand-name drugs. Brand names: Ambien immediate-release tablet , Ambien CR extended-release tablet , Edluar sublingual tablet , Intermezzo sublingual tablet. Zolpidem also comes as an oral spray. Zolpidem oral tablets are used to treat insomnia trouble sleeping.

They can help you fall asleep or stay asleep. What is zolpidem? Zolpidem side effects. These detection times are general estimates and will vary from person to person. Everyone will metabolize drugs at a different rate, which will ultimately determine how long a substance will stay in the body.

The following factors can influence how long zolpidem can be detected in the system:. People who are younger or have more body fat will typically metabolize Ambien more quickly than individuals who are older or who have a lower body fat percentage.

Additionally, individuals who take more of the drug or who take Ambien for a longer period of time will likely have the substance in their system for a longer period of time. This chemical is responsible for slowing activity in the brain to allow a person to fall asleep more easily. Individuals suffering from insomnia are often unable to calm the brain and body enough to fall asleep, so taking Ambien can help a person relax and increase feelings of calm. Common side effects of zolpidem include drowsiness, lightheadedness, and dizziness.

Ambien has also been known to cause sleepwalking, and some individuals may even participate in activities such as shopping or driving while in a sleep-like state. The risk of this side effect is greater if you drink alcohol or use other central nervous system CNS depressants while taking either of these drugs. You should never mix alcohol and sleeping pills. Some other substances that can interact with these drugs are detailed in the Healthline articles on eszopiclone Lunesta and zolpidem Ambien.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications that you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements or herbal products. Both drugs carry the risk of dependency and withdrawal. If you take high doses of either one or use it for more than 10 days, you may develop a physical dependency.

Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal include shakiness, nausea, and vomiting. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, speak to your doctor about reducing your dose a little at a time. You may still have enough of the drug in your body the next day to impair these activities.

Discuss the pros and cons of each with your doctor. Be sure to mention all your existing medical issues and drugs you currently take.

Your insomnia may be a symptom of another medical condition. Treating the underlying condition could clear up your sleep problems. Also, a list of all over-the-counter medications, supplements, and prescriptions drugs you take can help your doctor to decide which sleep aid you should try and in what dose.

If you experience any serious side effects, be sure to report them to your doctor right away. Ambien helps millions achieve better sleep, but many have experienced strange and dangerous side effects. Here are some of them.