Zolpidem

Generic Name : Zolpidem

TradeName : Nitrest, Zanlop, Zleep, Zopid

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Zolpidem is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia - to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Zolpidem belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works by slowing activity in the brain.

When it is to be taken : Zolpidem is taken at bedtime when needed. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take Zolpidem for more than 1-2 weeks without consulting your doctor.

How it should be taken : Zolpidem comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :

1. Zolpidem may make you dizzy. Therefore stay in bed after taking the drug. The dizziness may persist until the next day, and your coordination and alertness may be decreased. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you. 2. Since Zolpidem can be habit-forming, do not take more of it or take it for a longer period than prescribed. 3. To prevent an accidental overdose, do not keep more than one dose at your bedside. If you accidentally take too much Zolpidem, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. 4. If you have been taking Zolpidem for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Contact your doctor if you experience sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, muscle and abdominal cramps, hallucinations, or seizures. Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Side Effects :

1. Zolpidem may cause side effects like drowsiness, headache, dizziness, 'drugged feeling’, and loss of coordination. 2. It can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn, and stomach pain or tenderness. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Other Precautions :

1. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression, sleep apnea (condition in which the patient briefly stops breathing many times during the night), other breathing problems, or liver or kidney disease. 2. Do not take other sleeping pills while taking Zolpidem. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this drug. 3. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antidepressants such as imipramine , itraconazole, Rifampicin, seizure medication, prescription pain medication, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, and medication for allergies and colds. 4. Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, think they may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding should tell their doctors. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. 5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :

1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children. 2. Store it at room temperature.