Ambien CR™ (
zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets) is a prescription sleeping medication that has been licensed to treat
insomnia in adults.
Ambien CR is manufactured by sanofi-aventis.
What Is Ambien CR Used For?
As mentioned, this medication 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.
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 the drug:
- Fell asleep faster
- Had higher-quality sleep
- Had fewer awakenings.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take
Ambien CR include the following:
- The medication 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 quickly. Make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking it. Do not take the drug before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
- For Ambien CR to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it differently than your healthcare provider has prescribed.
- If you are still having trouble sleeping after seven to ten 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.
The dose of Ambien CR 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.
Side Effects of Ambien CR
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with
Ambien CR. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If 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 side effects include:
(Click Ambien CR Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Ambien CR?
Prior to taking this drug, you should notify your healthcare provider if you have:
Let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Who Should Not Take Ambien CR?
You should not take
Ambien CR if you are allergic to it or any component of
zolpidem tartrate. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
What If I Take an Overdose?
There have been a limited number of cases of people overdosing on Ambien CR. An overdose could produce a variety of reactions -- from excessive tiredness to light coma. If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Ambien CR Be Stored?
Ambien CR should be stored at room temperature. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Two strengths of Ambien CR are available. These include:
- Ambien CR 6.25 mg
- Ambien CR 12.5 mg.
At this time, no generic versions of Ambien CR are available for sale
(see Generic Ambien CR).
