Zolpidem is a sleeping pill. It helps you sleep if you have difficulty sleeping (also known as insomnia).
Take Zolpidem exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take Zolpidem on an empty stomach, just before going to bed. It should take effect almost immediately. Try not to take this medicine with food as it may take a longer time to take effect.
Zolpidem is available as a conventional tablet or extended-release tablet.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
Do not take Zolpidem for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. Let your doctor know if Zolpidem does not seem to help you.
If you are taking this medicine over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Zolpidem is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it everyday. Take it only when you need it. If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- history of unusual sleep behaviours (e.g. sleepwalking, sleep-driving) after taking Zolpidem
- severe liver disease
as Zolpidem may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following:
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
- lung disease e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- history of alcohol or drug abuse
- depression or history of mental illness
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Zolpidem to the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Take Zolpidem only when you need to. Try not to make a habit of relying on this medicine to help you sleep.
Practice good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps, especially in the late afternoon.
Zolpidem may cause drowsiness, dizziness, reduced alertness, and blurred or double vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, diarrhoea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, back pain, neck pain, muscle weakness or spasm, tiredness, rash, itching, and excessive sweating.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
Zolpidem may cause abnormal activities during sleep, such as driving, cooking, eating and walking while you are still asleep. Alert your doctor quickly if this happens.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- ciprofloxacin (antibiotic)
- ketoconazole (medicine for fungal infection)
- medicines for depression e.g. bupropion, desipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines for cold and allergy that cause drowsiness
- medicines used to block pain and sensation
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine, methadone, oxycodone
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zolpidem.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the sublingual tablet from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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