Ambien

Ambien is a medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of short-term insomnia in adults. The sleep medicine, which comes as a tablet that is taken once a day immediately before bedtime, has proven to be effective in helping people fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and establish a higher quality of sleep. Potential side effects of Ambien may include difficulty with coordination, daytime drowsiness, and dizziness.

 

What Is Ambien?

Ambien® (zolpidem tartrate) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat short-term insomnia in adults.
 

Who Makes Ambien?

Ambien is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis.
 

What Is Ambien Used For?

Ambien is used to treat insomnia. This includes a number of sleep difficulties, including:
 
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up often during the night
  • Waking up too early in the morning.

 

(Click Ambien Uses for more information on what Ambien is used for, including some possible off-label uses.)

 

How Does Ambien Work?

Ambien 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, people who took Ambien:
 
  • Fell asleep faster
  • Slept longer
  • Had higher-quality sleep
  • Had fewer awakenings.
     
(Ambien Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;