Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Zolpidem belongs to a class ofmedicines that effects the central nervous system, called sedativehypnotics. Zolpidem is closely related to a family of drugs calledbenzodiazepines. These drugs cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act asanti-convulsants (anti-seizure), and have anti-anxiety properties.Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant oranti-seizure effect and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is usedas a medication for sleep.

PREPARATION: Tablets (5mg,10mg).

STORAGE: Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature in atight container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Zolpidem is used as a sleeping pill to treatinsomnia. It has been shown to put patients to sleep faster and keep themasleep longer. Sleeping pills generally are not prescribed for more than10 days and are usually taken intermittently as needed to avoid problemswith addiction, loss of effectiveness, and rebound phenomena.

DOSING: Zolpidem should be taken without food at bedtime toinduce a rapid onset of sleep. Zolpidem is metabolized by the liver anddosages need to be decreased in patients with liver dysfunction(hepatitis). Lower doses should be used in the elderly because of theirdecreased ability to metabolize the medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol has an additive effect with zolpidemand the two should not be combined. Zolpidem should be used cautiously inpatients with respiratory diseases because of its depressing effect onbreathing. Zolpidem has few drug interactions with other medicines.However, caution should be used when combining it with other sedativedrugs. Zolpidem used at higher dosages can cause withdrawal symptoms(muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures) when the drug is abruptly discontinued. Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion andparadoxical insomnia and should be discontinued if these symptoms appear.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of Zolpidem aredrowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling, which probablyreflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes.