Zolpidem: FDA Approved Generic Ambien for Treating Insomnia

Ambien and associated hypnotic therapeutic drugs have been at the forefront of consumer healthcare alerts for many months now. For patients who suffer from insomnia, requiring the use of Ambien, the cost associated with therapy has been quite expensive. With the patent on the drug expiring in April of 2007, patients who use Ambien are now afforded an opportunity to purchase the generic form, Zolpidem, as approved by the FDA.

Zolpidem, a generic tablet manufactured and distributed by Aurobindo Pharmaceuticals, is now available as a generic form of Ambien in the United States. For patients who suffer from insomnia, this short term treatment for their sleep disorder is now much more cost effective.

When suffering from insomnia, healthcare professionals are increasingly more likely to prescribe this generic drug, Zolpidem. While there is a high risk for abuse, healthcare professionals are warned to prescribe Zolpidem cautiously and only in short term therapeutic settings. If you are a patient suffering from insomnia, and you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, your healthcare professional may choose other options for insomnia treatment, instead of using Zolpidem.

Dosing of Zolpidem is generally provided in 5 or 10 milligram tablets with the recommendation to use Zolpidem at bedtime, without food, as this will increase the absorption. As a general rule, patients who suffer from mild insomnia, those who aer elderly and those who suffer from pre-existing liver dysfunction, should use the lower dosing forms of Zolpidem.

As with any FDA approved drug, the generic drug, Zolpidem does not come without side effects. The side effects most commonly experienced, with use as directed, include hallucinations, poor motor coordination, changes in appetite and weight, a greater impulsivity and even some forms of amnesia. For this reason, when prescribed Zolpidem, be certain you are in a safe location, preferably at home, without access to keys or vehicles, so as to ensure sleepwalking or sleep driving does not occur.

For individuals who have a history of liver dysfunction, Zolpidem may not be indicated in the treatment of insomnia as Zolpidem is excreted through the liver and may create further liver complications. Additionally, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid the use of Zolpidem in the treatment of insomnia as Zolpidem may cause birth defects and abnormal fetal development.

As with any sleeping aide or hypnotic, when struggling with insomnia, the key to optimal health outcomes lies in the ability to obtain early diagnosis and intervention. When considering the use of Zolpidem, to treat insomnia, be certain to use the prescription as directed by your healthcare professional and limit use to short durations, generally not exceeding more than 10 days. If insomnia persists longer than 10 days, further evaluation by a sleep study center may be indicated.