Zolpidem - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Warnings, and Precautions

Overview:

Zolpidem is a sedative drug that produces sleep in patients with insomnia. It is the best option for enhancing your sleep quality. The dosage might not be similar for men and women. It is not recommended for children. It is used alone or in combination with other drugs. This tablet can potentially damage your vision.

Drug Group:

Zolpidem is a drug belonging to a group of drugs called Imidazopyridine. The medication is usually prescribed for a short duration. It is a prescription drug, and it is not available over-the-counter drugs. This drug helps a person to get proper sleep at night. The dosage should be adjusted by the doctor.

What Is Zolpidem Used For?

Zolpidem is used in the treatment of the following:

Insomnia is the first condition to be treated by Zolpidem. This drug helps lots of sleep-deprived patients to have a good quality of sleep. The two major cycles of sleep are rapid eye movement sleep and non-rapid eye movement sleep. In both cycles of sleep, dreams and nightmares that are disturbing might occur. Research shows that when a dream occurs, it means that the person has not slept well that day. Continuous dreams and nightmares might lead to disruption in sleep and abnormal sleeping patterns. The reasons for insomnia could be depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, and other health conditions. If some medications are causing you insomnia, then you should probably check with your doctor for help. It is not advisable to take some medications along with Zolpidem because it can react with those drugs and cause adverse reactions. So, it is ideal to find the cause of insomnia and then treat it with Zolpidem.

Parasomnia is the other type of sleep disorder that can be treated by Zolpidem. Parasomnia might include walking during sleep, talking during sleep, and having sex in the middle of sleep.

How Does Zolpidem Work?

Zolpidem is a drug that deals with a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical is also an amino acid. But it acts as a neurotransmitter substance in the brain. The excitability of the neurons in the brain is essential for the transmission to take place. Gamma-aminobutyric acid acts by inhibiting the signals in the brain. In this way, certain signals and pathways are blocked. When gamma-aminobutyric acid gets attached to its respective receptors, then it gives a relaxed and calm feel for the body. When the whole body is relaxed, it provides a soothing feeling which puts the person to sleep. The levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid should always be maintained at the optimum levels. Any reduction in these levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid might cause other side effects such as seizures, mood disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety.

Onset Of Action:

The onset of action is very short. It takes only less than 30 minutes. The onset of action varies from person to person. In some people, the effect starts within 15 minutes.

Habit-Forming:

This drug can cause a habit-forming tendency. It has been reported that patients who start taking this drug for sleep problems develop a certain degree of addiction. Some people find difficulties in sleeping after long term usage.

Expiry Date:

These drugs require a compulsory recommendation from doctors. The expiry date will be printed on the back of the pack.

What Is the Dosage of Zolpidem?

The dosage of Zolpidem varies according to gender.

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How to Use Zolpidem?

Zolpidem is taken in the form of a tablet. To overcome the insomnia episodes, you should take the medications as prescribed by the doctor. It is better to take these drugs at night as they are sedatives. Consuming these drugs during morning hours might cause dizziness.

Missed Dose:

You cannot take the dose when you are reminded of it. If you miss a dose, try to take it before bed the next day. If you have skipped the dose for an extended period of time, it is not advisable to take it after that. You should get advice from your doctor before taking it again.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

• Pregnancy - This drug might not be safe to consume during pregnancy. So, do not use it unless it is absolutely necessary. Zolpidem should be taken under strict medical supervision.

• Breastfeeding - Zolipem can reach the baby through breast milk in minute quantities. It is not safe while breastfeeding. The risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking it.

• Glaucoma- Patients who are taking Zolpidem have a high risk of experiencing glaucoma. The rate of recurrence is also higher. So, if you already have this condition, consult your doctor before taking this drug.

• Liver problems - Zolpidem can cause serious liver conditions. So, it is not advised in patients with liver damage and associated disorders.

What Are the Side Effects of Zolpidem?

Zolpidem can cause severe or mild side effects. The following list contains some of the acute side effects that may occur while consuming Zolpidem. It does not include all possible side effects of Zolpidem. It is better to consult with a doctor or pharmacist for more information on Zolpidem's potential side effects or advice on how to handle a troubling side effect.

The common side effects of Zolpidem are:

• Drowsiness.

• Headache.

• Diarrhea.

• Dizziness.

• Chest pain.

• Dry mouth.

• Palpitations (strong, fast, or feel like your heart is skipping a heartbeat or irregular heart rate).

• Grogginess.

• Muscle pain.

• Lightheadedness.

If the above side effects are mild, then it may go away within a few days or with a couple of weeks. If they are more critical or do not go away, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

The severe side effects are:

Call the doctor immediately if you have serious side effects that feel life-threatening or if you think you need a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms are:

• Allergic reactions.

  • Trouble breathing.

  • Swelling of your face or tongue.

• New or severe symptoms of depression. They are:

  • Deprivation in normally enjoyable activities.

  • Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.

  • Lack of energy.

  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

  • Weight loss or weight gain.

  • Trouble thinking or concentrating

• Abnormal behaviors or thoughts. They are:

  • Being more outgoing than normal.

  • Agitation.

  • Illusion thinking about things that are not real or viewing themself from outside of their body.

  • Hallucinations (listening or viewing something that are not real).

• Performing activities while you are asleep and having no memory of the event. These can include:

  • Preparing and eating food.

  • Driving.

  • Having sex.

  • Talking on the phone.

• Breathing issue.

  • Shallow breathing.

  • Slowed breathing.

  • Decreased oxygen in your blood.

  • Tiredness.

• Amnesia (memory loss).

• Hallucinations.

What Are the Interactions of Zolpidem?

All the drugs would not be suitable for consumption, along with Zolpidem. So, if you already have a medical condition and you are taking medications for this, you should check with your doctor before taking Zolpidem. The common interactions of Zolpidem are:

• With medicine -

1. Escitalopram.

2. Atorvastatin.

3. Lorazepam.

4. Esomeprazole.

5. Melatonin.

6. Metoprolol.

7. Pregabalin.

• With disease -

1. Glaucoma.

2. Depression.

3. Liver disease.

4. Renal function.

• With alcohol -

1. Consuming alcohol can damage the liver. Therefore, alcohol drinking habits should be stopped.

What Are the Common Brand or Trade Name of Zolpidem?

The common brand or trade names of Zolpidem are:

1. Tablet Dactive 10 mg.

2. Tablet Ambiz 10 mg.

3. Tablet Getrest 10 mg.