Ambien Dosage

For people who are just starting treatment with Ambien, dosage recommendations begin at 10 mg, taken immediately before bedtime. Depending on your age and other medical conditions you may have, your starting dose of Ambien may be lower, such as 5 mg. The sleep medicine is generally only used for one to two days, and treatment should not exceed one to two weeks.

 

An Introduction to Your Ambien Dosage

The dose of Ambien® (zolpidem tartrate) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Dose of Ambien for Insomnia

The recommended starting Ambien dosage is Ambien 10 mg, taken immediately before bed.
 
For people who are taking other medicines that affect the brain, have liver disease, or are older, the recommended starting dose may be Ambien 5 mg.
 

General Ambien Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking Ambien include:
 
  • The medication should be taken right before you go to bed.
     
  • Your Ambien dosage should be taken without food.
     
  • Ambien 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 to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider has prescribed.
     
  • In general, Ambien is used for only one to two days. It should not be used for more than one to two weeks. If you are still having trouble sleeping after this time, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your Ambien dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;