Zolpidem Tartrate

What is Zolpidem Tartrate and how does it work?

Zolpidem Tartrate is in a group of medicines called hypnotics used to treat insomnia in adults. This medicine acts on your brain to help you sleep. This increases the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. A neurotransmitter is a natural chemical in the body that acts as messengers between nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that blocks impulses between nerve cells in the brain. 

GABA is involved in inducing sleepiness, decreasing anxiety, and relaxing muscles. Zolpidem Tartrate increases the total amount of time you spend sleeping and reduces the time it takes to fall asleep. This also lessens the times you wake up in the night. 

How to use Zolpidem Tartrate?

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor. This is usually taken once a night. Since this drug works quickly, take it right before you get into bed. Do not take it with or after a meal because it will not work as quickly. 

Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night’s sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss and may have trouble safely doing any activity that requires alertness. Dosage is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not take more than 10 milligrams a day. Women have usually prescribed a lower dose because the drug is removed from the body more slowly than in men. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 7 to 10 days or if it worsens.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Light-headedness
  • Feeling drugged
  • Loss of coordination
  • Tired feeling
  • Dry mouth
  • Stuffy nose
  • Nausea
  • Nose or throat irritation
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Muscle pain
  • Upset stomach
  • Depression
  • Unusual thinking (anxiety, thoughts of self-injury, risk-taking, or aggression)

Let your doctor know if these occur:

Precautions:

Zolpidem Tartrate is only suitable for adults and should not be taken by:

  • Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
  • People with sleep apnea syndrome
  • With sudden or severe breathing difficulties
  • Psychotic illness
  • A condition called myasthenia gravis
  • Severe liver problems 

Some people, particularly elderly people, may need a lower dose or extra monitoring. Make sure your doctor knows if you have:

  • Breathing problems
  • Liver problems
  • A history of alcoholism or drug abuse
  • A history of psychiatric illness or are suffering from depression 

Pregnancy

It is important to get advice from your doctor before taking this drug. Regular use of Zolpidem during the latter stages of pregnancy could cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth.

Breastfeeding

Small amounts of Zolpidem Tartratepass into breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding it’s best to avoid taking this drug. It could affect your baby. Ask your doctor for advice about your options for treating sleeping problems while you’re breastfeeding.