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Ambien (sleep aid)
What is AMBIEN?
AMBIEN is a short-term (7- to 10-day) prescription sleep aid
for people who have difficulty falling asleep, have trouble
remaining asleep, or awaken too early in the morning. AMBIEN
helps restore your quality of sleep. It was introduced in Europe
in 1988, and in the United States five years later. To date,
more than 4 billion doses of AMBIEN have been prescribed
worldwide.
Does AMBIEN work?
AMBIEN helps people suffering from insomnia fall asleep
within 15 to 30 minutes. AMBIEN should only be taken when you
are ready to go to sleep. Further, AMBIEN helps you stay asleep
and not wake up too early. Avoid taking AMBIEN unless you are
prepared to devote a full 7 to 8 hours to sleeping.
What are the most common
side effects?
Most commonly, with short-term AMBIEN treatment in
controlled clinical studies, the side effects have been daytime
drowsiness in 2%, dizziness 1%, and diarrhea 1%. Avoid driving
an automobile or operating heavy machinery upon awakening after
taking any sleep medication until you know how it will affect
your physical or mental performance. Do not drink alcohol while
taking AMBIEN.
Will I feel drowsy the next
day?
Generally, you won't have to sacrifice next-day performance
for a good night's sleep with AMBIEN. A study of about 500
volunteers with insomnia who were given alertness tests the
morning after taking AMBIEN found that they performed just as
well as people who were given a placebo. In short-term clinical
trials, only 2% of people taking AMBIEN reported feeling sleepy
during the daytime. Taking AMBIEN as directed will minimize the
risk of next-day drowsiness. Regarding elderly patients, one
study reported a small but statistically significant decrease in
performance in a test of dexterity when compared with a placebo.
Can I take AMBIEN if I'm
also taking other medications?
Some medications, even those available without prescription,
can interfere with or amplify the effect of AMBIEN. Before
taking any other drug, consult with your doctor or pharmacist
about possible interactions with AMBIEN. Avoid alcohol while
taking AMBIEN.
Can I take AMBIEN if I'm
pregnant?
Studies to assess the effects of AMBIEN on human
reproduction and development have not been conducted and
therefore use of AMBIEN during pregnancy is not recommended. It
should be considered ONLY if your physician determines it is
needed. Sleep medicines can cause sedation of the unborn baby
when used during the final weeks of pregnancy. Be sure to inform
your doctor if you are pregnant, if you are planning a pregnancy
or if you become pregnant while taking sleep medicines.
I'm an older adult who has
insomnia. Will AMBIEN work for me?
Yes, AMBIEN is an effective short-term treatment for insomnia in
older adults and the elderly. However, your sensitivity to the
actions of drugs such as AMBIEN may be greater, so a lower dose
should be considered to decrease the possibility of negative
side effects.
How long can I safely take
AMBIEN?
AMBIEN, like most other sleep medicines, is most often
initially prescribed for 7-10 days as needed. Your doctor will
advise you if it is suitable to take it for a longer period of
time.
Is there anything special
that my doctor should know before AMBIEN is prescribed for me?
Some conditions may affect how you take AMBIEN. Be sure to
tell your doctor if:
- You drink alcohol
- You have a history of alcohol or
drug dependency
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
- You have any breathing
difficulties, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema You have
a history of heavy snoring
- You are suffering from depression
- You have kidney or liver disease
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