Zolpidem is a drug used to treat insomnia, which is a sleep disorder that causes sufferers to find it difficult to fall asleep, often wake up during sleep, or wake up too quickly and can't go back to sleep. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Zolpidem will affect chemicals in the brain so that it reduces the excitability of nerve cells. The action of this drug will help insomniacs to fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and have better quality sleep. This medicine should only be used for a short period of time.
zolpidem trademark: Stilnox, Zolmia, Zolpidem Tartrate, Zolta, Zudem
What is Zolpidem
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Sedative |
| Benefit | Deal with insomnia |
| Consumed by | Adults and seniors |
| Zolpidem for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Zolpidem may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Tablets and caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Zolpidem
Zolpidem should not be taken carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things you should pay attention to before taking zolpidem, including:
- Do not take zolpidem if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or grapefruit during treatment with zolpidem because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Do not take zolpidem if you have or are suffering from sleep apnea or myasthenia gravis.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, kidney disease, alcoholism, respiratory problems, drug abuse, suicidal ideation, or another mental disorder, such as depression or psychosis.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform activities that require alertness after taking zolpidem, as this medication can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking zolpidem.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Zolpidem
The dose of zolpidem to treat insomnia can be different for each patient. The following is the division of doses based on the form of the drug and the age of the patient:
Quick-release tablet form (immediate release)
- Mature: 5–10 mg taken right before bed. The maximum dose is 10 mg per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
- seniors: 5 mg taken right before bed. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
Slow-release tablet form (extended release)
- Mature: 6.25–12.5 mg just before bed. The maximum dose is 12.5 mg per day. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
- seniors: 6.25 mg right before bed. Maximum duration of treatment is 4 weeks.
How to Consume Zolpidem correctly
Always follow the doctor's instructions and read the information on the medicine package before taking zolpidem.
Zolpidem tablets are taken before going to bed at night on an empty stomach. Swallow the zolpidem tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not chew, split, or crush the medicine.
Do not increase or decrease the dose and start or stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor first. Do not take zolpidem longer than the time prescribed by your doctor because it can cause dependence and withdrawal syndrome.
While doing treatment, to help overcome insomnia, keep doing it sleep hygiene, namely by not consuming caffeinated drinks before bedtime, sleeping on a regular schedule, not taking too long naps, and creating a comfortable atmosphere for sleeping.
Store zolpidem in a dry place, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Zolpidem Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of zolpidem concurrently with other drugs can cause several interactions, including:
- Increased risk of severe drowsiness and impaired activity when used with antipsychotic drugs, anesthetics, other sedatives, anticonvulsants, or antihistamines
- Increased risk of hallucinations when used with antidepressant drugs, such as bupropion, fluoxetine, or sertraline
- Increased risk of respiratory distress, severe drowsiness, coma, and even death if used with ritonavir or other opioid drugs, such as morphine or codeine
- Decreased effectiveness of zolpidem when used with rifampicin
- Increased risk of side effects when used with ketoconazole
Side Effects and Dangers Zolpidem
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after taking zolpidem:
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Weak
- Diarrhea or stomach ache
- Nightmare
- Back pain
- Nasal congestion or signs of a respiratory infection appear
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or any of the following serious side effects:
- Difficulty sleeping that doesn't seem to get better
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling like I'm going to faint
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- Very heavy headache
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, or suicidal ideation