Ambien

Ambien (zolpidem) is a medicine used for the treatment of insomnia (sleep problems). It is intended for short-term treatment of sleep problems and can form an addiction if you do not keep to the instructions provided by your doctor. This medicine comes as a regular and extended-release tablet for oral administration. You need to take this drug at bedtime to provide for maximum efficiency. It’s recommended to avoid taking Ambien with a meal, as its absorption may be slowed down. Wait for an hour after having a meal to make sure taking Ambien is going to be efficient and you will be able to go to sleep fast. When using this medication you are supposed to plan for at least 7-8 hours of sleep. If you try to get up earlier than that, drowsiness and memory problems are possible throughout the day. You may still be a bit drowsy when you wake up after using Ambien. Do not take Ambien for longer than recommended as it can become less efficient when your body gets used to the dose you are taking. Addiction is possible in that case as well, making withdrawal from the treatment more difficult. If you stop the treatment suddenly, the following symptoms are possible: muscle cramps, vomiting, seizures, sweating, and shakiness. Talk to your doctor and ask him hw you are supposed to withdraw from the treatment to avoid the health effects mentioned. Tell your doctor about your allergies or pregnancy, as this medicine may harm an unborn baby. Also make sure you mention the fact of taking any other drugs at the moment that can interact with Ambien. The following ones are important to mention: itraconazole, colds&allergies medications, painkillers, rifampin, sertraline, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, imipramine, drugs for mental illness, medications for anxiety, seizures, antidepressants, and sedatives. Also report any other herbal supplements, prescription of over-the-counter medications and vitamins to avoid drug interactions and unpleasant health effects. Your doctor should know as much as possible about your current health condition to be able to prescribe the minimum dose you will benefit from. Make sure you tell your health care provider if you have problems with heavy snoring, depression, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, and liver or kidney disease. Sometimes side effects are possbiel. Make sure you let your doctor know if you get any of the following side effects, but only in case they become bothersome: headache, heartburn, unusual dreams, unsteady walking, muscle aches, constipation, heavy menstrual bleeding, stomach pain, drowsiness, burning or tingling, diarrhea, dizziness, eye redness, itching in the ears, ringing, gas, dry mouth, weakness, or changes in appetite. Some side effects are serious and your doctor needs to learn about them as soon as possible. The following ones can occur: blurred vision, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat, itching, hives, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing, rash, vomiting, nausea, hoarseness, and pounding heartbeat.