Zolpidem (ZOLE-pi-dem) belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system). Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). Zolpidem helps you get to sleep faster and sleep through the night. In general, when sleep medicines are used every night for a long time, they may lose their effectiveness. In most cases, sleep medicines should be used only for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and generally for no longer than 1 or 2 weeks.

Special precautions

Sleep medicines may cause a special type of memory loss or ``amnesia''. When this occurs, a person does not remember what has happened during the several hours between use of the medicine and the time when its effects wear off. This is usually not a problem since most people fall asleep after taking the medicine. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided by taking Zolpidem only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you are having memory problems.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Zolpidem , the following should be considered:

Allergies— tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Zolpidem . Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives, foods, or dyes.

Pregnancy— Zolpidem has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pregnant animals have shown that Zolpidem slows down the development of the offspring when given to the mother in doses many times the human dose. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding— although Zolpidem passes into breast milk, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children— Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Zolpidem in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults— Confusion and falling are more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of Zolpidem .

• Other medicines— although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary.

Other medical problems— the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Zolpidem . Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Alcohol abuse (or history of) or

• Drug abuse or dependence (or history of)—Dependence on Zolpidem may develop

• Emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, or other chronic lung disease or

• Mental depression or

• Sleep apnea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)— Zolpidem may make these conditions worse

• Kidney disease or

• Liver disease—Higher blood levels of Zolpidem may result, increasing the chance of side effects

Side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur :

• Less common

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion—more common in older adults; mental depression

• Rare

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability; trouble in sleeping; swelling of face; skin rash; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); fast heartbeat ; falling—more common in older adults; wheezing or difficulty in breathing

• Symptoms of overdose

• Clumsiness or unsteadiness (severe); slow heartbeat; troubled breathing; nausea (severe); drowsiness (severe); double vision or other vision problems; dizziness (severe); vomiting (severe)

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain; nightmares or unusual dreams; nausea; memory problems; headache; general feeling of discomfort or illness; dryness of mouth; drugged feelings; double vision or other vision problems; diarrhea; daytime drowsiness ; vomiting

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.