Insomnia

Indications and usage:

Ambien (Zolpidem Tartrate), a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor positive modulator, is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia, dyssomnia, sleep disorders characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation.

Dosage and administration:

• Use the lowest dose effective for the patient and must not exceed a total of 10 mg sedative tablets daily.
• Recommended initial dose is a single dose of 5 mg for women and a single dose of 5 or 10 mg for men, immediately before bedtime with at least 7-8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.
• Geriatric patients and patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment: recommended dose is 5 mg for men and women.
• Lower doses of CNS depressants may be necessary when taken concomitantly with Ambien.
• The effect of zolpidem may be slowed if taken with or immediately after a meal.

  Dosage forms and strengths:

• Ambien, Belbien, Nitrest, Stilnoct, Zolfresh, Zoltrate (Zolpidem Tartrate) tablets 5 mg, 10 mg.
• Stilnoct (Zolpidem Tartrate) extended release tablets 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg.

  Contraindications:

• Patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking Ambien.
• Known hypersensitivity to zolpidem.

  Warnings and precautions:

• CNS-depressant effects: impairs alertness and motor coordination including risk of morning impairment. Risk increases with dose and use with other CNS depressants and alcohol. Instruct patients on correct use.
• Need to evaluate for comorbid diagnoses: reevaluate if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of use.
• Severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions: angioedema and anaphylaxis have been reported. Do not rechallenge if such reactions occur.