Generic Ambien is a medication that’s often prescribed to help with insomnia, or trouble sleeping. It works by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor in the brain, causing you to feel sleepy.
It’s best to only take zolpidem for short periods of time, to lower the risk of becoming dependent on the medication.
5 mg generic ambien 5mg or zolpidem tartrate is the generic name of Ambien. If your healthcare provider prescribes either zolpidem or Ambien, your prescription bottle will usually say zolpidem tartrate because the pharmacy provided the generic version of the medication.
Like all generics, zolpidem has been confirmed to be equivalent to Ambien through testing. Therefore, there isn’t any reason to be concerned about taking the generic version.
How to use Ambien
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zolpidem and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor, usually once a night. Since zolpidem works quickly, take it right before you get into bed. Do not take it with or after a meal because it will not work as quickly.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used zolpidem for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 7 to 10 days, or if it worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects associated with use of Zolpidem, include the following:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Allergy
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain
- Sinus infection (sinusitis)
- Memory disorder
- Visual disturbance
- Sore throat
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations
- Rash
- Constipation
- Depression
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Flu-like symptoms
Post marketing side effects of zolpidem reported include:
- Respiratory depression
- Sublingual tablet: Oral ulcers, blisters, and mucosal inflammation
- Liver and biliary system: Acute hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed liver injury with or without jaundice (i.e., bilirubin greater than 2x ULN, alkaline phosphatase greater than or equal to 2x ULN, transaminase greater than or equal to 5x ULN)
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
Food interaction warning
Eating food with zolpidem may make the drug take longer to work. You should take this drug on an empty stomach.
Alcohol interaction warning
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk for sedation and drowsiness from zolpidem. You shouldn’t take this drug on nights when you drink alcohol. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor. You may need to be monitored more closely for side effects.
