Ambien CR: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings

Generic Name: Zolpidem Extended-Release Tablets [ zole-PI-dem ]Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Medically reviewed by XanaxStore.RED. Last updated on Sep 11, 2022.

Warning

Some people taking Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) have done things like sleepwalking, sleep driving, making and eating food, having sex, or other actions while not fully awake. Rarely, this has led to severe injuries or death. Most of the time people do not remember doing these things. If this happens, stop taking Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) and tell your doctor right away.

Uses of Ambien CR:

It is used to treat sleep problems.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ambien CR?

If you have an allergy to zolpidem or any other part of Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets).

If you are allergic to Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets); any part of Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

If you have liver disease.

If you are taking any other drugs that can make you sleepy. There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

If you have taken Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) or a drug like this one in the past and have done any tasks or actions while not fully awake.

If you are taking any of these drugs: Rifampin or St. John’s wort.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ambien CR?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.

When sleep drugs are used nightly for more than a few weeks, they may not work as well to help sleep problems. This is known as tolerance. Only use sleep drugs for a short time. If sleep problems last, call the doctor.

Do not take naps.

To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.

Avoid alcohol while taking Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets). Do not take Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed.

Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.

This medicine may cause sleepiness or lower alertness. This may lead to falls and injuries that may be very bad. Very bad injuries like broken hips and bleeding in the brain have happened. Talk with the doctor.

If you are a woman, use Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.

If you are 60 or older, use Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.

This medicine is not approved for use in children. The chance of side effects like dizziness and hallucinations may be raised in children. However, your child’s doctor may decide the benefits of taking Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) may outweigh the risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving Ambien CR (zolpidem extended-release tablets) to your child.

You may not be alert. Do not drive or do other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert on the day after you take Amb