ZOLPIDEMTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have Insomnia, which means you have trouble sleeping, you may be prescribedZolpidem. You may also be familiar with its brand name, Ambien. Zolpidem is a highalert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly as prescribed it may causeillness or injury.To understand how Zolpidem works, let’s look at what happens in your body whenyou are trying to sleep.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you are ready to sleep,the messages being fired in your brain slow down allowing you to fall asleep. Butwhen you have insomnia, your brain cannot slow down the messages, and you stayawake.Zolpidem enhances a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps calm down thesignals that are firing in your brain so you can fall asleep.Zolpidem comes in a fast-acting tablet, or an extended release tablet that will help youboth, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Your healthcare provider will decide how much youneed to take and how best to take it.Zolpidem is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not takeZolpidem if you are allergic to the ingredients in it.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your healthcareprovider before taking Zolpidem. A different medication may be safer for you and yourbaby.Before taking Zolpidem, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: kidneydisease, liver disease, asthma or other breathing problems, sleep apnea or depression.20% gradient meshZolpidem can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of: street drugs,prescription medications or alcohol, tell your healthcare provider. There may be adifferent medication available for you.healthclipshealthclipsBefore taking Zolpidem, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all othermedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10042_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshZOLPIDEMTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Some side effects of Zolpidem include: feeling tired in the daytime, dizziness,weakness, feeling lightheaded, stuffy nose, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea,headache, and muscle pain.If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Zolpidem. Get upfrom a sitting or lying position slowly.Sometimes the medication can remain at a high enough level in the morning toimpact you. Make sure you are fully awake before you drive or operate heavymachinery, including your car, while taking Zolpidem.Do not take Zolpidem if you have had alcohol within the past 6 hours.While taking Zolpidem, you may do things you don’t remember doing, such as sleepeating or sleep walking. Women and the elderly are more likely to experience theseeffects. If this happens to you, stop taking Zolpidem and call your healthcare provider.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, troubleswallowing, or if you feel like you may pass out; call your healthcare provider rightaway.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Zolpidem exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longer20% gradient meshthan prescribed.When taking Zolpidem Extended Release tablets, always swallow the tablet wholehealthclipswith plenty of water. Do not cut, break, chew, crush or dissolve this medication.healthclipsZolpidem is usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Make sure you get a full 7 to 8hours of sleep when taking it.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10042_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshZOLPIDEMTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Zolpidem, call 911. Anoverdose can lead to death.Store Zolpidem away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit could get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.When you are done taking Zolpidem tablets, crush all of your remaining pills and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds.Do not sell or give your Zolpidem to anyone else. It is against the law and canseriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Zolpidem can help you get the sleep you need. But it is a powerful medication thatshould only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Zolpidem,ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10042_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
