by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: September 09, 2010   Last Updated: September 16, 2010

Zolpidem tartrate is a prescription only drug used in short term relief of sleep problems. Most common brand name is Ambien®. This drug is mainly useful in initiation of sleep. But it is not helpful in maintaining sleep and it does not prevent frequent nighttime awakenings. MAin problems associated with this drug is habit formation and increased risk taking behavior.

How Zolpidem acts?

Zolpidem tartrate Modulate GABA type A receptors in the brain and increase their action and increases inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain.

What the doctor should know before prescribing?

Discuss with the doctor, if the patient has

* Kidney disease

* Liver disease

* Breathing disorder

* Clinical depression

* Ataxia (poor control of body movements)

* Myasthenia gravis

In addition, the doctor should know over the counter medications and herbal medications patient is on.

  The doctor may not prescribe this medication to pregnant and nursing mothers. Adverse effects to the new born are reported in regular use. This medication increases adverse effects of alcohol and other recreational drugs.

What are the Common side effects?

Zolpidem tartrate can become habit forming with long term use. Some patients can get unusual thoughts. Risk-taking behavior can increase in certain patients. Sometimes decreased inhibitions and no fear of danger can become dangerous side effects.

Drowsiness is common but is usually not continued to the next day, if taken in the night. But operating machinery and driving is not recommended in the following day.

 Other common side effects are numbness in extremities and menstrual pain. Reduced muscle strength and co-ordination problems of movements are side effects as well. Poor mental concentration, restlessness, confusion and memory loss are other side effects. Allergic reactions to this medication can occur rarely. These include hives, itchiness and shortness of breath.

What are relatively rare side effects?

Rarely patients can get gastro intestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Certain patients may get respiratory depression. Some patients can get hallucinations. Some patients may get depression with this medication. So if a patient is having feelings of worthlessness, suicidal ideas or sad mood after taking this drug, he/she must see a doctor. Complex sleep related behaviors such as sleep driving, making phone calls or eating food has been reported rarely.

 Disturbance of smell is another side effect some patients may experience. Hearing and speech disturbances are also reported with some patients.

What you should know before taking Zolpidem tartrate?

This medication is available as tablets. Tablets should be taken with full glass of water without crushing, to minimize side effects. It can be taken with or without meals. This is a very short acting drug. So patients should take this medication immediately before sleep.

Never take this medication without consulting your doctor. Ordering this medication from the Internet can become pretty dangerous.  

Sources

British National Formulary

Drugs.com

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