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AMBIEN CR (Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release) Sleep Aid
 
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Skip Navigation LinksWhat is AMBIEN CR?Sleep Aid Myths & Facts

Sleep Aid Myths & Facts

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There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep medications.

In this Internet age, it is easy and more common than ever for misinformation to be spread around. Sometimes rumors can take on a life of their own. And sometimes, as a consumer, it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction.

We would like to help put your mind at ease by providing the facts about these common myths, so you can educate and reassure yourself about the safety of sleep medications.

MYTH #1: Everyone gets addicted to sleep medications.

FACT: Most sleep medications carry some risk of dependence. However, people with a history of addiction, or alcohol and drug abuse, are the ones most at risk when taking sleeping medications.

Studies show that, when taken as prescribed, AMBIEN CR safely and effectively treats insomnia.

MYTH #2: Over-the-counter sleep medications are safe for long-term use.

FACT: Not all sleep medications are safe for long-term use, including most over-the-counter sleep aids. These types of sleep aids, which can be bought at grocery or drug stores, often contain extra medicines, like pain relievers and antihistamines — neither of which were originally created for sleep. One pain reliever, acetaminophen, may cause liver damage and another, ibuprofen may cause stomach bleeding.

MYTH #3: Everyone who takes sleep medications will sleep-walk or sleep-drive.

FACT: There have been rare occurrences of sleepwalking, sleep-related eating and sleep-driving among people taking sleep aids, but these conditions may not necessarily be caused by the sleep medication. One source estimates that the incidence of sleepwalking in the general adult population is approximately four percent. If you experience events such as sleepwalking, sleep-related eating or driving while asleep during treatment with a sleep medication, you should contact your doctor.

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† Maximum benefit is $20 off, on up to 5 prescriptions, depending on your out-of-pocket costs. Not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, government (public insurance) programs, or any private payor in the state of Massachusetts and where prohibited by law.

AMBIEN CR is indicated to help you fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AMBIEN CR is a treatment option you and your healthcare provider can consider along with lifestyle changes and can be taken for as long as your provider recommends. Until you know how AMBIEN CR will affect you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. It's non-narcotic; however, like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency. Don't take it with alcohol.

Please refer to the full prescribing information and medication guide.

AMBIEN is indicated for short-term treatment, to help you fall asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

When you first start taking AMBIEN, use caution in the morning when engaging in activities requiring complete alertness until you know how you will react to this medication. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided if you take AMBIEN only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. As with any sleep medication, do not use alcohol while you are taking AMBIEN.

Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN, contact your doctor immediately.

Prescription sleep aids are often taken for 7 to 10 days – or longer as advised by your provider. Like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency.

There is a low occurrence of side effects associated with the short-term use of AMBIEN. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%).

Please refer to the full prescribing information and medication guide.


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