Zolpidem is a widely sold drug by the name Ambien. The drug is a primary drug used for short term treatment of sleeping problems. Zolpidem is a non benzodiazepine and prescribed hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class.

 

How does it work?

 

Zolpidem is a type-A GABA receptor that works by increasing GABA effects in the central nervous system as other benzodiazepine drugs.

 

Type of Medicine

 

Zolpidem is a widely used medical drug in the form of a tablet and oral spray.

 

The oral tablet comes in three forms: immediate release, sustained release and sublingual. The immediate release form immediately releases the drug into your body. The sustained-release form slowly releases the drug into your body. The sublingual tablet dissolves under the tongue.

 

These forms are available as the following brand name:

 

  • Ambien (immediate release tablet)
  • Ambien CR (extended release tablet)
  • Edluar (sublingual tablet)
  • Intermezzo (sublingual tablet)



All forms of oral zolpidem tablets are also available as generic drugs. Generic drugs usually cost less than the original version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the original medicine.

 

Zolpidem For

 

  • Zolpidem oral tablets are widely prescribed medicine for treatment of insomnia. Insomnia causes difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

 

  • Edluar immediate-release tablets and sublingual tablets are used if you have trouble falling asleep. Sustained-release tablets are used if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

 

  • Low-dose sublingual tablets (1.75 mg and 3.5 mg) are used when you wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.

Side effects of zolpidem

 

Zolpidem may cause mild or severe side effects. The following list contains some of the main side effects that can occur when taking zolpidem.

 

  • Headache
  • sleepiness
  • dizziness
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • chest pain
  • palpitations (fast heart rate, strong or irregular, or feeling that your heart skips a beat)
  • hissing
  • dizziness
  • muscle pain