What is Ambien?
Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), is one of the most prescribed sleep medication in the United States for people suffering from insomnia.
It is highly effective for the treatment of insomnia on a short-term basis. In case you are having sleepless night Ambien helps in getting a good night's sleep.
How Ambien Works?
Ambien works in combination with the natural brain chemical Gaba. Gaba is a neurotransmitter and is one of the 18 major brain chemicals that control communication among neighboring brain cells.
Once this chemical is discharged from a brain cell, it is hypothesized that GABA dampens the electrical activity of neighboring brain cells. Laboratory studies have shown that Ambien works with Gaba to further reduce the possibility of certain brain cells becoming electrically active. Unlike older sleep drugs, Ambien targets a specific area of the brain cell.
Safety information
It is always advised not to use sleep inducing medication for more than 7 to 10 days, and re-evaluation is recommended if they are taken for more than 2 to 3 weeks. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%). The Consumption of alcohol should be avoided while taking Ambien.
What are the benefits of Ambien?
We know natural sleep is best, however the benefits of AMBIEN for one who cannot sleep immediately are:
Helps to fall asleep. AMBIEN help individuals to fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes. Therefore, it is to be taken only when you are completely ready to go to sleep.
Helps you to stay asleep. It is disturbing to wake up during the
night without being able to sleep gain. After taking Ambien insomnia
patients report significantly fewer awakenings, compared with placebo.
Helps you to avoid waking up early. It provides a full night's sleep,
and has been proven to increase total sleep time.
Here are few commonly asked queries that would help one to understand Ambien better.
Does AMBIEN really work?
The answer is, it does and fast as well.
Do I feel drowsy the next day?
A study conducted among Ambien users, only 2% of reported daytime sleepiness. In order to minimize the possibility of next day drowsiness take AMBIEN as directed by the physician. A small but statistically significant decrease in performance of Ambien was observed in a test of dexterity when compared with placebo in a study conducted on elderly subjects with no insomnia.
If Ambien can be taken along with other medications?
There are certain drugs, that can either interfere with or increase the effect of AMBIEN. Hence before taking any other drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with AMBIEN.
What I must tell to the doctor before AMBIEN is prescribed for me?
In order to avoid unnecessary complications you must tell the Doctor
If you drink alcohol
- Have a history of alcohol or drug dependency
- Are pregnant or breast-feeding
- Have any breathing difficulties, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema
- Have a history of heavy snoring
- Are depressed
- Have kidney or liver disease
Can Ambien be administered if pregnant?
Use of AMBIEN during pregnancy is not recommended and should be considered only if your physician determines it is needed. Sleep medicines may cause sedation of the unborn baby when used during the last weeks of pregnancy.
What are the most common Side Effects
Some of the common side effects that you encounter are
- Dizziness
- Daytime drowsiness
- Difficulty with coordination
- Lightheadedness
You may feel sleepy during daytime if you are using such sleep medicines How drowsy you feel depends on
- How your body reacts to the medicine,
- Which sleep medicine you're taking and
- How large a dose your doctor has prescribed.