Ambien (Zolpidem) is a medication that is commonly used to treat insomnia. It helps to decrease the time you fall asleep and increase the overall duration of your sleep. Ambien belongs to a class of sleeping pills known as hypnotics. The history of the drug Ambien is also interesting. It was developed in the 1980s by Sanofi-Aventis and was approved for use in the United States in 1992. Since then, it has become one of the most popular sleeping pills in the world and is used by millions of people every night.

Drug Name Doses Per Item Go Pharmacy
Generic Ambien 10 mg $2.85 Go To Pharmacy

In addition, there are several unique stories associated with the use of Ambien. For example, singer Mariah Carey used this sleep medication and stated that sometimes its use led to strange and unexplained behavioral reactions. This has sparked a discussion about the problem of Ambien use and its possible side effects.

Formulation

There are several forms of Ambien, including oral tablets, sublingual tablets (which are placed under the tongue and dissolve), and extended-release capsules. All forms of the drug work about the same, but the extended-release capsules are especially useful for people who have trouble sleeping through the night.

Side Effects.

Although Ambien is considered a safe and effective medication for insomnia, it can also have its drawbacks and side effects. Some of these may include:

  • Dizziness;
  • Drowsiness;
  • Change in taste;
  • Lethargy;
  • Changes in appetite.

Some people may also experience more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, hallucinations, or even suicidal thoughts. Therefore, you should consult your doctor and carefully study the instructions for use before using this medication.

Benefits of Ambien

Despite these risks, however, Ambien has several benefits that make it popular among people who suffer from insomnia. For example:

  • Fast action: Ambien starts working very quickly and allows you to fall asleep in just a few minutes after taking it. This is very useful for people who have trouble sleeping and cannot fall asleep for a long time.
  • The short duration of action: unlike some other sleeping pills, Ambien does not cause feelings of drowsiness the day after use. This means that people who take Ambien can continue their normal activities the next day without any side effects.
  • Improved sleep quality: Ambien helps improve sleep quality, allowing people to feel more awake and rested the next day.
  • Duration of action: Ambien works long enough to allow a person to sleep through the night.

Compatibility

When using Ambien, you should be careful to know what other medications it may interact with. Some drugs and substances that may interact with Ambien include:

  • Alcohol: Alcohol may increase the effects of Ambien and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, lethargy, and impaired motor coordination.
  • Other sleeping pills: Combined use of Ambien and other sleeping pills may cause drowsiness and impaired movement coordination, which can be especially dangerous when driving or operating machinery.
  • Narcotic painkillers: Ambien can increase the effects of narcotic painkillers, such as morphine or oxycodone, which can lead to dangerous side effects such as difficulty breathing.
  • Antiepileptic drugs: some antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin, may decrease the effectiveness of Ambien and shorten its duration of action.
  • Anxiety and depression medications: Ambien may interact with drugs used to treat anxiety and depression, such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants, and increase the risk of side effects.

Conclusion

Although Ambien is an effective medication for insomnia, it is important to remember that it is not a cure-all and should not be used without proper medical advice. You should discuss all the risks and benefits of this medication with a qualified physician before you start using it.