Zolpidem tartrate, brand name Ambien, is a medication indicated for the treatment of short-term insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and stay asleep, resulting in sleep deprivation and daytime drowsiness. Zolpidem was first approved by the FDA in 1992, and in 2009, over 6 million prescriptions were dispensed. Zolpidem in smaller doses is a sedative and hypnotic, but in higher doses, it acts as an anesthetic. Medications containing zolpidem are generally safe, although several side effects have been noted.
Sedation and Movement Disruption
Patients taking zolpidem may experience sedation and movement problems. The desired effect of zolpidem is to promote sleep, but some patients report feeling drowsy the following day after taking zolpidem. According to Drugs.com, drowsiness is the most common reported side effect, occurring in 8 percent of patients. Patients may experience less sedation depending on the mode of release of the medication. Some are instant, some are moderate release and some are formulated for extended release. Patients have also reported movement disruptions. These include dizziness, lethargy, feeling drugged, light headedness and difficulty with coordination. According to Drugs.com, most of the side effects that impact movement and energy levels occur in less than 5 percent of patients.
Behavior and Cognition
Patients taking zolpidem may also experience changes in behavior and thinking. Zolpidem is a medication similar to benzodiazepines, which affects GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter. According to Ambien.com, some of these side effects include being more outgoing or aggressive than normal, confusion, strange behavior, agitation, auditory and visual hallucinations, worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts. These side effects are rare, but patients should notify their physician immediately in order to prevent a danger to self or others. Patients should not take zolpidem during the day because this may also seriously affect driving abilities.
Tolerance, Dependence and Withdrawal
Zolpidem should only be used for the treatment of short-term insomnia. Patients taking zolpidem for longer than a few days may become dependent on the medication in order to sleep. According to Ambien.com, patients may also become tolerant of the medication, requiring higher and higher doses in order to achieve the same sedative effect. Patients may also experience a withdrawal effect, in which rebound insomnia occurs. This period may last 1 to 3 days, but possibly longer if the patient has been taking large doses for an extended period of time. Patients taking zolpidem for longer periods are advised to taper off of their dose rather than stopping abruptly.
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