Zolpidem

Zolpidem is a medicine that has clear sedative and hypnotic effects. It can be used for the treatment of insomnia and should be taken for a short period of time. You may be recommended to take zolpidem regularly for up to 5 weeks or when needed. If you are taking zolpidem regularly, make sure you carefully observe the dose prescribed and avoid taking more of this medicine or using it for longer. Some health conditions you have may affect your treatment in different ways. For example, you may not be able to take zolpidem if you have a history of an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Make sure you let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions: emphysema, myasthenia gravis, bronchitis, sleep apnea, suicidal thoughts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, depression, mental illness, a history of drug or alcohol addiction, kidney disease, or liver disease. Your doctor may need you to have some tests done to establish the efficiency of zolpidem. Never take more of this medication than prescribed by your health care provider, as an overdose of zolpidem can have lethal outcome. If you or someone else may have taken to much of zolpidem, the following symptoms may display: lightheadedness, confusion, fainting, coma, sleepiness, and shallow breathing. Make sure you report these symptoms to your local emergency center as soon as possible, as otherwise serious consequences are possible. When you need to stop taking zolpidem after using it for a long time regularly, the first thing you need to do is go to the doctor that prescribed zolpidem and ask abut your actions. In most cases you will be recommended to try gradual withdrawal – when you will be taking less and less of this medicine. Gradual withdrawal will help you to avoid such serious withdrawal symptoms as behavior changes, stomach pain, nausea, sweating, seizure, vomiting, muscle cramps, panic, and anxiety. If you get pregnant while taking zolpidem - talk to your doctor to see which options you have, the use of zolpidem is almost never justified in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it may cause harm to an unborn or nursing baby. Try to use a reliable contraception method if you are taking zolpidem regularly to avoid getting pregnant. If you notice any strange side effects that interfere with your everyday life – make sure you report them to your health care provider, as otherwise they may get more serious with time.