5 Things You Need to Know About Ambien

1. Enjoy Sounder Sleep with Ambien

Ambien, which contains the medication zolpidem, is a sleep aid that doctors prescribe to treat people suffering from insomnia. It slows down the activity in your brain, which helps you to sleep better at night. You can take Ambien as a regular tablet or as an extended release tablet by mouth.

2. Insomnia in a Nutshell

If you have insomnia, you're probably having difficulties falling asleep at night. Once you've finally fallen asleep, you may have trouble staying asleep. You may also feel tired, lethargic and irritable during the day due to your lack of sleep. Not getting proper rest each night could lead to other health problems, accidents and even depression. If you're suffering from insomnia, talk to your doctor to see if Ambien is a good option for you so that you can start getting some rest at night.

3. Sleep All Night Long

Ambien CR, the extended release form of Ambien, is made up of two different layers that work together to help you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. The first layer dissolves soon after you take the tablet, helping you to fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes. The second layer of the tablet dissolves at a slower pace helping you to stay asleep longer. Studies have shown that Ambien may help you to sleep for at least 7 hours straight. Getting this much sleep every night is essential if you want to keep both your mind and body in top condition.

4. Sleepy Side Effects

You may notice side effects such as dizziness, headaches and daytime drowsiness when you take Ambien. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you see how tired you get during the day. Rarely, people may sleepwalk or eat during the night, but may not remember doing it. If this happens to you, or if you experience any other severe side effects, call your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking, and don't drink alcohol while you take Ambien.

5. Follow the Doctor's Orders

Take Ambien exactly as your doctor has prescribed it to you. If you're taking Ambien CR, you shouldn't cut, chew or crush the tablet in any way. You must swallow it whole for both layers to work effectively. To fall asleep faster, avoid taking Ambien just after you've eaten. Also remember that when you take Ambien, you have to be ready to sleep for the next 7 to 8 hours straight, so don't take it if you know you have to be up in a few hours or if you're not ready for bed.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

Must see: Photo Galleries