Ambien CR

Ambien CR is the brand name of the drug Zolpidem. It is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia. It belongs the a class of drugs called hypnotics or sedatives. It creates a calming effect on the brain, which may help people with chronic sleep difficulty fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer.

It should be taken by mouth immediately before bedtime, on an empty stomach. It should not be taken with food, as doing so may diminish the effectiveness of the drug. The Ambien CR tablet should be taken whole, and never crushed, chewed or cut in half.

Your doctor will prescribe Ambien CR based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy.

Ambien CR can occasionally cause temporary memory loss. This is a rare occurance, but to avoid this, never takes Ambien unless you are able to devote seven to eight hours to a full night's sleep. Additionally you should not take it on an overnight plane flight lasting less than eight hours.

As with any sedative or hypnotic, Ambien CR may cause dependency. This is possible if you have been taking it for an extended period of time, or if you have been taking a high dose. Suddenly ceasing to take Ambien CR can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include; nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, shakiness, or nervousness.

Some people who take Ambien CR may exhibit drug seeking behavior. This only happens infrequently. To avoid this, never increase your dosage, take it more often than prescribed, or take it longer than you doctor recommends. When you doctor has determined that you need to stop taking Ambien CR, he or she will help you to stop taking it gradually. This will help avoid dependency.

Ambien CR may have the following side effects: dizziness, light headedness, headache, upset stomach and dry mouth. The medication might make you sleepy during the day. This may be a sign that your dosage needs to be adjusted.

More serious side effects are: fast or pounding heartbeat, unusual tiredness, mental or mood changes, thought of depression or suicide, aggressiveness, memory loss or unsteadiness.

If you have any of these symptoms, let your doctor know immediately. Rarely while taking Ambien CR some people have gotten out of bed and driven while not fully awake. (Sleep driving) other people have prepared and eaten food, had conversations, had sex, all with no memory of having done these things. If you discover that any of these things have happened tell your doctor immediately.

My wife has been taking Ambien CR for insomnia, and it has helped her greatly. She is able to sleep much better now.