Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Zolpidem

Zolpidem: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Zolpidem?

Zolpidem comes under the class of drugs known as sedatives and hypnotics. It is prescribed for short-term treatment of sleeping problems but is usually used after cognitive behavioral therapy has been tried.
Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction and has the potential to impair thinking or reactions. It needs to be taken only after a prescription by a medical practitioner.

What are the uses of Zolpidem?

Zolpidem is a sleeping pill and comes under the class of drugs known as sedatives. It is used to treat insomnia, as it helps you fall asleep quickly and makes you less likely to wake up during the night.
Zolpidem, though, should only be used short-term (usually up to 4 weeks) as the body can become dependent on it.
Consult a doctor before taking this medication.

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    What are the side effects of Zolpidem?

    Weakness, tiredness, and ataxia (balance problems) are common side effects of taking Zolpidem. Other side effects include dizziness, daytime drowsiness, confusion, nasal irritation or a stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia.
    More serious side effects include memory loss, mood and behaviour changes, hallucinations, agitation, and aggressive behaviour.
    Long-term use of the drug may cause persistent fatigue, muscle pain, and recurrent headaches.

    What is Zolpidem

    Uses of Zolpidem

    Side effects of Zolpidem

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Zolpidem

    Zolpidem is a short-term drug used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. Weight gain or weight loss are common side effects, but you need to consult your doctor if these symptoms persist. Stopping and starting the dosage must be done only in consultation with a medical professional.

    Zolpidem, which comes under the class of drugs known as sedatives, increases a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks certain neurotransmitters, thereby causing a calming effect on the brain and initiating the sleep process. Zolpidem usually works within 30 minutes, and sleep problems often improve within 10-days of the medication.

    Taking more than 150 mg of Zolpidem per kilogram of body weight is likely to be fatal. For Zolpidem, the maximum recommended dose is 10 mg. Taking 70 mg of Zolpidem can create dangerous complications within the body, and 400?00 mg, will lead to an overdose.

    Zolpidem has what is known as rapid onset of action, which means that it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour to work. The drug remains in the body for a short period. Dosage is usually not recommended beyond four weeks. Common side effects include drowsiness, a blocked nose, and lack of coordination.

    The recommended dose for adults is usually 6.25 mg for women and 6.25 or 12.5 mg for men once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed, but more than 12.5 mg per day is not recommended. As low as 70 mg can lead to dangerous complications.

    Taking Zolpidem while pregnant may not be safe. It is classified as a pregnancy category C drug by the Food and Drug Administration, which means it can cause harm to the fetus if taken by the mother. It is also known to cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth.

    Avoid alcohol when on Zolpidem as it increases the drug? sedative effects on the central nervous system and can result in severe physical and cognitive impairment. Certain drug types do not interact well with Zolpidem. They include amphetamines, lorazepam, duloxetine, clonazepam, levothyroxine, and so on.

    Zolpidem is an effective sleeping pill if taken in the right doses. Sleep problems often improve within just 10-days of the medication. The recommended dosage for adults is usually 6.25 mg for women and 6.25 or 12.5 mg for men once a day at bedtime. One needs to consult a doctor before taking Zolpidem.

    Zolpidem is a central nervous system depressant, and therefore, may slow the heart rate, decrease the rate of respiration and reduce blood pressure, independent of its effects on sleep. Zolpidem is a prescription drug, so precautions must be taken while using the medication. Consult your doctor if you face these symptoms.

    Although constipation is one of the side effects of Zolpidem, it is rare. Any kind of gastrointestinal side effect is rare. More common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and poor balance. But if you do face issues with constipation, do consult your doctor.

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