What is ambien 10mg?

Answer:

GENERIC NAME: zolpidem

BRAND NAME: Ambien

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Zolpidem belongs to a class of�drugs called sedatives or�hypnotics. Zolpidem is closely related to a family of�sedatives called benzodiazepines. These drugs cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure), and reduce anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant�and anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is used as a medication for sleep. Researcher's note: For example, Valium is diazepam. I think Ambien has been around for decades under other trade names, different in the U.S. and other countries.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATION: Tablets, 5 and 10 mg

STORAGE: Zolpidem should be stored at room temperature in a tight container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Zolpidem is used as a sleeping pill to treat insomnia. It has been shown to put patients to sleep more rapidly�and keep them asleep longer. Sleeping pills generally are not prescribed for more than 10 days and are usually taken intermittently as needed to avoid problems with addiction or habituation, loss of effectiveness, and rebound phenomena.

DOSING: Zolpidem should be taken without food at bedtime to induce a rapid onset of sleep. Zolpidem is eliminated�by the liver, and doses need to be decreased in patients with liver dysfunction (e.g., hepatitis). Lower doses should be used in the elderly because of their decreased ability to�eliminate zolpidem from the body.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol has an additive effect with zolpidem and the two should not be combined. Zolpidem should be used cautiously in patients with respiratory diseases because of its depressing effect on breathing. Zolpidem has few drug interactions with other medicines; however, caution should be used when combining it with other sedative drugs because of the additive effects. Zolpidem used at higher dosages can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures) when the drug is abruptly discontinued. Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion, paradoxical insomnia or "complex sleep-related behaviors which may include sleep-driving (driving with no memory of having done so).� If these side effects occur, zolpidem should be discontinued.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of Zolpidem are drowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling, which probably reflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes.