Information About Ambien

Common uses
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. Do not use Ambien if you are also taking ritonavir. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Ambien.

Instructions for Use
Use Ambien exactly as directed by your physician. Ambien works very QUICKLY; take Ambien right before going to bed. Use it only when you will be able to sleep 7 to 8 hours or longer. It is best to keep Ambien away from heat and light, at room temperature.

Warnings
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Ambien for longer than prescribed without checking with your physician. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking Ambien for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Ambien. Using Ambien alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Check with your physician if you continue to have trouble sleeping or notice changes in your behavior or thinking. Women, Ambien is excreted in breast milk. do not breast-feed while taking Ambien.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include daytime drowsiness or dizziness. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are difficulty breathing, clumsiness, slowed heart rate, and deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.

Additional information
You may experience trouble sleeping for 1 to 2 nights after you stop taking Ambien. If it continues, contact your physician. Do not let anyone else use Ambien. Do not take Ambien to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children.