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Zolpidem

Brand names: Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar

Zolpidem is a prescription sleep medicine for short-term help falling or staying asleep.

Brand namesAmbien, Ambien CR, Edluar
Type of medicineSleep medicine (sedative-hypnotic)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It works on the same brain system as benzodiazepines. It's a controlled substance.

What it's used for

  • Insomnia (short-term)

How to take it

  • Take it right before bed, only if you can stay in bed a full 7 to 8 hours.
  • It works faster on an empty stomach; don't take it with or right after a meal.
  • Don't drive or do anything that needs alertness the next morning if you feel drowsy.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Next-day drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
Call 911Sleepwalking, sleep-driving, cooking, or other activities you don't remember. Stop it and call your provider.
Call 911Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, or trouble breathing
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call your provider todayConfusion, seeing things, or unusual behavior

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: complex sleep behaviors (like sleep-driving) can cause serious injury or death.
  • Women usually need a lower dose.
  • Older adults are more likely to fall.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sleep medicines can dangerously slow breathing.
  • Some antifungals raise its level; rifampin lowers it.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider before using it in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Only take it at bedtime when you can stay in bed 7 to 8 hours. If you can't, skip it that night.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.