WHAT TO KNOW
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Ambien
will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid
these activities. Ambien should be taken just
before bedtime but you may experience some carryover
effects the next day. Do not drink alcohol while
taking Ambien. Alcohol will increase drowsiness
and may increase dizziness while you are taking
Ambien, which could be dangerous. Do not stop
taking Ambien 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
Ambien.
WHAT
IS IT
Ambien is in a class of drugs called sedative
/ hypnotics or sleep medications. Ambien affects
chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced
and cause insomnia. Ambien 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. Ambien is for short-term
use only--usually 7 to 10 days. Longer-term
use must be monitored closely by a doctor. Ambien
may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
HOW
TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION
Take Ambien 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 Ambien 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 Ambien 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 Ambien.
Store Ambien at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
MISSED
DOSE
Since Ambien 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 Ambien
after you wake up.
OVER
DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of
a Ambien 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 Ambien 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 Ambien 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
Ambien 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 (Know Before you Buy Online)
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Ambien
will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness.
If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid
these activities. Ambien should be taken just
before bedtime, but you may experience some
carryover effects the next day. Do not drink
alcohol while taking Ambien. Alcohol will
increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness
while you are taking Ambien, 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 Ambien unless your doctor directs
otherwise
DRUG INTERACTIONS (Know Before you Buy Online)
Ambien 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 Ambien. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
NOTES
your pharmacist has additional information about
Ambien written for health professionals that
you may read.
