Ambien CR

Ambien CR is an extended-release sleep medicine that is often prescribed for the treatment of insomnia in adults. It has proven to be effective in treating a number of sleep difficulties, including problems falling asleep and waking up often during the night. Ambien CR is available in two strengths and comes in a tablet form that is taken once a day, immediately before bedtime. Possible side effects of this drug include headache, dizziness, and daytime drowsiness.

 

What Is Ambien CR?

Ambien CR™ (zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets) is a prescription sleeping medication that has been licensed to treat insomnia in adults.
 

Who Makes Ambien CR?

Ambien CR is manufactured by sanofi-aventis.
 

What Is Ambien CR Used For?

Ambien CR is used to treat insomnia. It is used for a various number of sleep difficulties, including:
 
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up often during the night.
     

How Does Ambien CR Work?

Ambien CR is part of a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics, which are known more commonly as sleep medicine. Based on clinical studies, when compared to people who did not take Ambien CR, those who took Ambien CR:
 
  • Fell asleep faster
  • Had higher-quality sleep
  • Had fewer awakenings.
     

Ambien CR: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Ambien CR include:
 
  • Ambien CR comes in tablet form. It is taken once a day, immediately before bedtime.
     
  • It is recommended that you take your Ambien CR dose with a glass of water, not after a meal, and not with food.
     
  • Ambien CR works very quickly. Make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking Ambien CR. Do not take Ambien CR before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the Ambien CR tablets.
     
  • For Ambien CR to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Ambien CR will not work if you take it differently than your healthcare provider has prescribed.
     
  • If you are still having trouble sleeping after 7 to 10 days, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider, as this may be a sign that something else (such as a medical condition) may be causing your insomnia.
     

Ambien CR: Dosing

The dose of Ambien CR that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Ambien CR Dosage for more information about dosing for Ambien CR.)
 

Ambien CR: Side Effects

(The Ambien CR side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Ambien CR side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Ambien CR. However, not everyone who takes Ambien CR will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Ambien CR well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common Ambien CR side effects include:
 
  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache.
     
There are also a number of less common but more serious side effects that can occur.
 
(Click Ambien CR Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of Ambien CR.)
 

Ambien CR: Drug Interactions

Ambien CR has a number of medicines that it can potentially interact with.
 
(Click Ambien CR Drug Interactions for more information about Ambien CR and these other medicines.)
 

Ambien CR: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Prior to taking Ambien CR, you should notify your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Drinking alcohol.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Ambien CR Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Ambien CR.)
 

Who Should Not Take Ambien CR?

You should not take Ambien CR if you are allergic to Ambien CR or any component of zolpidem tartrate. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
 

Ambien CR: Overdose

There have been a limited number of cases of people overdosing on Ambien CR. An Ambien CR overdose could produce a variety of reactions -- from excessive tiredness to light coma. If you happen to overdose on Ambien CR, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Ambien CR Overdose for more information.)
 

Ambien CR: Storage Methods

Ambien CR should be stored at room temperature.
 
Keep Ambien CR and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Ambien CR: Strengths

There are two strengths of Ambien CR available. These include:
 
  • Ambien CR 6.25 mg
  • Ambien CR 12.5 mg.
     

Generic Ambien CR

There is currently no generic Ambien CR available for sale.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;