If you are purchasing your prescription from an online pharmacy, check that they're licensed. Utilize the FDA BeSafeRx site to check their licensing.

AMBIEN use late in third trimester is likely to cause newborn respiratory depression. Encourage patients not to drink alcohol, or using other prescription drugs or street drugs before and after treatment with AMBIEN.

Dosage

AMBIEN can cause psychomotor impairment on the day following. It is not recommended to be used with alcohol or any other drug that can cause an increase in zolpidem metabolism. There have been instances of elderly people falling while taking 10mg doses tartrate zolpidem. It is recommended that patients get up gradually from their beds and to not to operate machinery or drive after taking AMBIEN.

AMBIEN may pass through the breastmilk. Inform pregnant women of the possibility of this. Examine infants for signs of excessive sleepiness, hypotonia, somnolence, or respiratory depression.

AMBIEN could trigger hepatic-related encephalopathy in those with severe hepatic impairment. The chance of developing this condition increases when zolpidem is co-administered alongside drugs acting on GABA receptors like the benzodiazepines as well as anticholinergics (see INTERACTIONS[see DRUGS INTERACTIONS]. Inform patients that prolonged use of AMBIEN may lead to tolerance and dependency. Stop treatment as soon as clinically possible.

The side effects

The most frequently reported symptoms of AMBIEN are dizziness and drowsiness as well as headache and stomach pain. The side effects of AMBIEN are not severe and typically will disappear within two days.

Make sure to be cautious while driving or participating in any other activity that require alertness if taking AMBIEN. Particularly when taking it when there is less than a full night's sleep remaining (7 up to 8 hours) and alcohol and with any other medication that can affect the CNS (e.g. or other sedative/hypnotic drugs or antidepressants). Refer to the Medication Guide for more information.

AMBIEN is shown in studies to keep the hours that people sleep in the deepest sleep stage (stage 4.) in addition to in REM (paradoxical) rest.

Inform patients that AMBIEN may cause next-day psychomotor impairment if it is taken with less than 7 hours sleeping time left; in combination together with alcohol; or other medicines that increase the blood levels of zolpidem. [see the warnings and precautions belowNOTE. Tell patients to have AMBIEN taken only before bedtime and not in the course of the all day.

Precautions

A lot of online pharmacies claim that they offer privacy, convenience as well as cost savings, by offering medications without a doctor's prescription. There are a few online pharmacies that are legal. Other pharmacies sell unsafe, fake or expired medicines. FDA warns consumers to steer clear of online pharmacies that do not have a license. BeSafeRx is a site that can help consumers find pharmacies without licenses and locate licensed pharmacies, was launched by the FDA in order to assist them.

Advise patients to take AMBIEN only when needed for sleep, and to not take it for longer that prescribed. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol or use other medications that make them sleepy during the time they take AMBIEN. Following the use of AMBIEN it is recommended that patients wait for at least 7 to 8 hours before they travel or take part in any other activity which requires complete alertness.

Be aware of signs of breathing difficulties, sedation and limpness when breast-fed babies are being fed [see Specific Populations]. In studies of elderly individuals (>70 years), AMBIEN Cmax and T1/2 value were higher than older adults.

Warns

Unlicensed online pharmacies can sell imitation medicines, or those that have harmful components. FDA recommends purchasing prescription drugs from accredited online pharmacies. The FDA BeSafeRx website allows you to check the license status of a particular pharmacy.

Instruct patients to follow the dose instructions in a careful manner, and inform them that AMBIEN may result in sleep-related behaviors that are complex, for example, walking, driving or preparing food, calling or having sexual sex while completely awake. These incidents can result in grave injuries or even death. Discontinue AMBIEN and advise patients to seek emergency medical attention when they notice these signs (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

Other drugs that affect GABA receptors can increase the risk of CNS depressive disorders (see DRUGS INTERACTIONS). Inform pregnant women to speak with their doctor when they begin to become pregnant as a result of the treatment of AMBIEN.