Ambien Generic (US – US)

Zolpidem is the official name for what we commonly call generic Ambien. It is used for adults who suffer from insomnia. The drug classification has it in a class of drugs referred to as sedative-hypnotics. It influences the brain to help create a calming effect that will help clients fall asleep faster so they can get a good night’s sleep. It is a short term medication that is usually only taken for a period of one or two weeks or less.

Ambien has a unique quality in that it is one of the few medications that is more effective when it is taken on an empty stomach. It works very quickly and should be taken just before getting ready to retire. It should not be taken unless you have at least 7 or 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping. If you do not have that much time to sleep and you have to get up before a full 7 or 8 hours you may suffer some memory loss.

Dosage amounts are based on the severity of the patient’s condition, other medicines that the patient might be taking and how well they respond to the treatment plan. The maximum dosage is 10 milligrams per day. Older patients are given a much smaller dosage to try to avoid adverse side effects.

There are some side effects that are associated with taking this medication. It is possible that it will make you sleepy during the day after it is taken. But this may just be an indication that the dosage needs to be decreased. Other side effects have included sleep driving, or people getting out of the bed and driving their vehicle in their sleep. Some people have reported sleepwalking, preparing food or making phone calls, all while not fully awake. These can be very dangerous side effects of Ambien, but they are very rare.