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:: What is Ambien?
Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is a FDA-approved oral prescription medication used for the treatment of insomnia. It is made by Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc., based in New York, New York, USA.
Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic or sleep medicine available in 5mg and 10mg tablets.
You can buy Ambien by going to our Ambien price comparison page  where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ambien prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Ambien online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Ambien?
Ambien is generally taken for 7 to 10 days by people who are insomniac (have insomnia). If you have trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, or you wake-up too early, you should take Ambien.
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:: Who should not take Ambien?
Ambien is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women.
The safety and efficacy in patients below the age of 18 have not been established.
Your doctor may recommend a lower dose if you are elderly, have liver problems, have lung/breathing problems or suffer from depression.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Ambien. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What is insomnia?
Insomnia is the inability to experience quality sleep and includes one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty falling sleep.
- Difficulty staying sleep.
- Waking up frequently during the night.
- Inability to fall asleep again after waking up.
- Waking up too early.
- Waking up feeling unrested.
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:: How common is insomnia?
Approximately 70 million people in the US have a sleep problem. Of those, about 40 million suffer from constant sleep disorders, and 20 to 30 million have occasional sleep-related problems.
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:: What happens when I don’t get enough sleep?
Lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in mental alertness, which can affect:
- Mood: people who are tired are more likely to feel angry, sad or stressed.
- Work performance: not getting enough sleep can lead to more mistakes, increase
the risk of injuries and reduced productivity.
- Ability to operate a vehicle: drowsiness is involved in thousands of car accidents
every year.
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:: Are there different kinds of insomnia?
There are two types of insomnia: acute and chronic.
Acute insomnia is a temporary condition caused by physical, emotional or environmental factors such as: stress, a temporary medical condition, jet lag or change of environment. Acute insomnia usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Taking a sleep aid prescription medication like Ambien, and resolving the initial cause can help treat acute insomnia.
Chronic insomnia is experiencing lack of sleep an average of three nights per week for over a month. Chronic insomnia is caused by medical, physical or psychological conditions, or medications and substances. Some medications, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine intake are common causes for chronic insomnia. Poor sleep habits also lead to chronic insomnia. Taking a sleep aid prescription medication like Ambien, and improving sleep behavior and habits can help treat chronic insomnia.
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:: What can I do to sleep better?
Here are some tips that might help you sleep better:
1. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, no matter how much you sleep the night before. This will strengthen a sleep-wake cycle that helps develop better sleep.
2. Create a relaxing routine that you perform every night before going to bed. You can take a hot bath, read a book, listen to music, practice mental and physical relaxation therapy to clear your mind and calm your body. Avoid bright light and stressful activities. If you cannot fall asleep within 20 to 30 minutes, get out of bed and do some relaxing activities until you feel sleepy then return to bed.
3. Create a comfortable sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable and supportive. Keep your room dark, cool and quiet. Place your alarm clock out of site so it won’t distract you.
4. Use your bed only for sleep and sex. Don’t do the bills, watch television or work on the computer in bed. Your bed should be associated with sleep.
5. Do not eat at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Heavy or spicy meals can lead to discomfort during the night. Limit how much you drink close to bedtime to avoid nighttime trips to the bathroom.
6. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine in the late afternoon and evening. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and colas. It is a stimulant and can keep you from sleeping. Nicotine found in cigarettes and other tobacco products is also a stimulant and can cause difficulty falling asleep and problems waking in the morning. Although alcohol has sedative activity it actually interrupts your sleep causing nighttime awakenings leading to restless sleep.
7. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and leads to more restful sleep, but if you exercise too close to bedtime it will make you more alert and keep you awake. Exercise in the morning or afternoon, or at least 3 hours before bedtime. (For exercising guidelines and ideas, see our Weight Loss FAQ ).
8. Do not nap during the day because it can affect your ability to sleep at night. You can nap if it has always been part of your lifestyle, but limit your naps to less than one hour at the same time every day.
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:: How does Ambien work?
GABA is a receptor in the brain. Drugs that act on this receptors’ sites lead to sleep, muscle relaxation, anti-convulsive and anti-anxiety effects.
Ambien binds to one of these sites on the GABA receptor thought to be closely associated with sleep, which leads to its sleep inducing properties.
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:: How well does Ambien work?
Onset of action: Studies show that the average time to falling asleep is within 30 minutes of taking Ambien.
Affect on nighttime awakenings: A study of over 400 patients showed that the number of times patients awoke at night was decreased by 20% with Ambien compared to sugar pill.
Affect on total sleep time: Patients in a 4 week study receiving Ambien reported significantly increased total sleep time compared to patients receiving sugar pill for all 4 weeks.
Affect on sleep stages: A study of over 600 patients showed that patients receiving Ambien did not have any significant differences in relative sleep stage times versus patients receiving sugar pill.
Next-day affect: Several studies have shown that Ambien does not significantly affect morning sleepiness, daytime sleepiness and next-day ability to concentrate, but a few studies have shown a small decrease in ability to perform tests which evaluate mental alertness.
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:: How safe is Ambien?
Ambien has been used to treat insomnia since 1992. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Ambien has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely help you sleep. However, Ambien may not be for everyone. Make sure to read about Who should not take Ambien? .
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:: What does Ambien look like?
Ambien, made by Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc., comes in 5 and 10mg tablets.
Ambien 5mg tablets are oblong, pink, film-coated, with the imprints AMB 5 on one side and 5401 on the other.
Ambien 10mg tablets are oblong, white, film-coated, with the imprints AMB 10 on one side and 5421 on the other.
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:: How do I take Ambien?
Ambien comes in 5mg and 10mg tablets. Ambien should be taken on an empty stomach.
Ambien works quickly, take it when you are ready to go to sleep immediately before bedtime. Do not take Ambien unless you are prepared to get a full night’s sleep (7 to 8 hours).
Do not take more medication or for a longer period of time than prescribed. Do not take more than the maximum recommended 10mg of Ambien per night.
Usual Adult Dose
Oral dosage form (Tablets) - One 10mg tablet by mouth immediately before bedtime.
Adults Age 60 and Over and Patients with Liver Problems
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – One 5mg tablet by mouth immediately before bedtime.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are taking other medications with sedating effects, your doctor may lower your dose.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: For how long should I continue to use Ambien?
Ambien is usually taken for 7 to 10 days, but long-term use is not uncommon. Four weeks is usually the recommended limit.
If the medication is effective and has no side effects, your doctor may continue Ambien beyond this limit. More studies are needed to evaluate the long-term use of sleep aids.
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:: How should I store Ambien?
Keep Ambien and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Ambien at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: How is Ambien different from over the counter sleep aids?
Non-prescription, over-the-counter sleep aids are often anti-histamines used for allergies. Anti-histamines block chemicals released during an allergy attack. These drugs have the side effect of also causing sleepiness.
Ambien on the other hand works directly on the receptors that are associated with sleep.
Over the counter sleep aids may be less effective, and side effects such as prolonged sleepiness or the possibility of interactions with other medications can be more problematic. Anti-histamine products should not be used in patients who are drinking alcohol or taking other medications with sedating effects. People who have breathing problems, glaucoma, chronic bronchitis, enlarged prostate gland, or women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid over-the-counter sleep aids.
Herbal products such as valerian and melatonin are also sold as sleep aids. These products do not have to prove that they actually work to be on the market. Their efficacy, safety, side effects and drug interactions are often not known. Use these products with caution until further research is conducted.
Prescription medications such as Ambien undergo rigorous safety and efficacy testing for specific conditions and are evaluated by the FDA. Extensive clinical trials and usage of Ambien have shown it is an effective sleep aid.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Ambien?
The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include: drowsiness, dizziness, drugged feeling and diarrhea. If some of these side effects do happen to you, your doctor may adjust your dose of Ambien to help reduce them.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What other precautions should I take when using Ambien?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Ambien, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Ambien may cause drowsiness, dizziness or have some carryover sleepiness into the next day. Use caution while doing anything that requires complete alertness such as driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Consumption of Alcohol:
NEVER drink alcohol while you are taking Ambien or any sleep medicine. Alcohol can increase the side effects of Ambien.
Medication Interactions:
Prior to starting Ambien, inform your doctor about all the medicines you use and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. Some medications can cause drowsiness and are best avoided while taking Ambien.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Ambien is not recommended for use in pregnant or nursing women. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ambien is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential risk to nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Ambien.
Kidney and Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Ambien. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Memory problems:
Sleep medicines may cause temporary memory loss (amnesia). The memory loss can happen for several hours after taking the medicine. Since you are usually asleep after taking the medicine this is usually not a problem, but it could be a problem if you wake up before the effect of the medicine is gone. Although memory problems are not common with Ambien, you can usually avoid them if you take Ambien only when you can get a full night’s sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Talk to your doctor if you think you are experiencing memory problems.
Tolerance:
Tolerance or a loss of effectiveness may occur when sleep medicines such as Ambien are used every night for more than a few weeks. Ambien is usually used for 7 to 10 days. Your doctor will determine if therapy beyond that period of time is appropriate for you.
Rebound Insomnia:
Some patients may experience rebound insomnia or the inability to sleep when sleep medications are stopped. This insomnia usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights. If you have been taking Ambien for more than 1 to 2 weeks, do not stop without your doctor’s advice.
Mental/Mood Changes:
An uncommon effect of sleep medications may be to cause unusual changes in behavior or thinking. It is rarely clear whether these changes are caused by medication, illness, or occur on their own. Regardless, you and your family should watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, loss of personal identity, aggressive behavior, worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Do NOT share your Ambien prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Ambien?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
Studies of Ambien with warfarin, cimetidine, ranitidine, digoxin, or haloperidol found no significant drug interactions.
When you are taking Ambien, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine), Vivactil (protriptyline)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as: Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine)
- Medications for cough and colds, or medications for hay fever or other allergies which have a sedating effect
- Rifampin
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ambien.
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:: Can I take Ambien if I drink alcohol?
NEVER drink alcohol while you are taking Ambien or any sleep medicine. Alcohol can increase the side effects of Ambien. Alcohol can also contribute to insomnia. Discuss your use of alcohol with your doctor before you start taking Ambien.
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:: Can I become dependent on Ambien?
Sleep medications such as Ambien can cause dependence or a need to continue taking medication. Dependence or addiction is more common when a medication is used at higher doses or for a longer period of time than recommended.
Although anyone can become dependent, it is more likely if you have been dependent on alcohol or other drugs in the past.
Stopping Ambien may lead to an adjustment period for your body and you may experience withdrawal side effects. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it.
If you have been taking Ambien in large doses or for a long period of time, you should consult your doctor before stopping therapy. Your doctor may decide it is best to gradually reduce the dose to help minimize withdrawal side effects.
In mild cases, withdrawal symptoms may include unpleasant feelings, but more severe cases, which are very uncommon, can include abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and rarely, seizures.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Ambien?
Symptoms of overdose can range from sleepiness to being unconscious.
If you suspect that someone took a much larger dose of Ambien than recommended, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Ambien available over the counter?
No. Ambien is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Ambien prescription online?
Go to our Ambien price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ambien prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Ambien online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Ambien cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Ambien prices before buying.
Because of the potential for increased side effects with over usage, Ambien prescriptions are usually limited to a maximum of 30 tablets.
See our Ambien price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ambien prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Ambien and is it available?
The generic name for Ambien is zolpidem tartrate. Only Ambien brand is currently available in the US.
See our Ambien price comparison page , where you can select your preferred US online US pharmacy with the lowest Ambien prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Ambien or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Ambien from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Ambien, but not contain the active ingredient zolpidem tartrate.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Ambien approved by the FDA and manufactured by Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Ambien price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ambien prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Ambien online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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