Indications
Zolpidem Tartrate is used for the short term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) in adults, when sleeplessness is severe and is affecting daily life.
How It Works
Zolpidem is a sedative hypnotic. It boosts the effect of GABA, a natural calming chemical in the brain, at specific receptors involved in sleep. This slows brain activity and helps you fall asleep. It acts quickly, usually within 30 minutes, and wears off within a few hours.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 10 mg, and for women, older adults and people with liver problems usually 5 mg, taken once just before bedtime, only when you can stay in bed for at least 7 to 8 hours. Do not take more than one dose a night. Take it on an empty stomach for faster effect. Treatment should be as short as possible, usually a few days to 2 weeks and no more than 4 weeks, as prescribed by your doctor.
Interactions
- Alcohol, opioid pain medicines such as Tramadol, Benzodiazepines, antihistamines that cause drowsiness, antipsychotics and antidepressants increase sleepiness and can slow breathing dangerously.
- Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Clarithromycin may raise zolpidem levels.
- Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and St John’s Wort may lower its effect.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Zolpidem.
- Severe liver disease, severe breathing problems, sleep apnoea or myasthenia gravis.
- A past episode of complex sleep behaviour (such as sleepwalking or driving while not fully awake) after taking it.
- Children and teenagers under 18.
Side Effects
Common effects are drowsiness the next day, dizziness, headache, memory problems around the time of the dose, diarrhoea, nausea and tiredness. Some people experience hallucinations, confusion or unusual behaviour.
Get urgent medical help if you notice complex sleep behaviours (sleepwalking, sleep driving, cooking or other activities you do not remember), thoughts of self harm, severe confusion, slow or shallow breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid in pregnancy unless a doctor decides it is necessary, especially near delivery, as it can cause breathing problems and sleepiness in the newborn. A small amount passes into breast milk; it is not recommended while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not drive or operate machines the next morning, or until you are fully alert.
- It can be habit forming; use only for short periods and never share it.
- Do not stop suddenly after regular use; your doctor may reduce the dose gradually to avoid rebound insomnia.
- Use with care in depression, a history of drug or alcohol misuse, and in older adults, who are more prone to falls.
Overdose
Overdose can cause deep sleepiness, confusion, slowed breathing and coma, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives. Get emergency medical help immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Sedative hypnotic (non benzodiazepine, imidazopyridine).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in a secure place out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.