Ambien and Insomnia
Hypnotic Sleep Aid Zolpidem
Ambien, drug name Zolpidem, belongs to the family of controlled hypnotics commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. It is a non-benzodiazepine. Ambien is a brand name owned by Sanofi-Aventis, a French pharmaceutical company that produces a couple dozen other name brand drugs.
Who Is Ambien For?
Ambien was developed to offer short-term treatment for temporary insomnia sufferers. The drug is a non-benzodiazepine, but use can become habit-forming and is not suited to long-term use. Most adults have experienced at least one short-lived bout of insomnia in their lives. Ambien is used effectively as a kick-start for situations like this: in which you’ve slipped into an insomnia rut and need a little help getting your sleep-wake cycle back on track.
Ambien can be used to relieve symptoms from any of the three types of insomnia: sleep onset, middle of the night, and late insomnia.
How Ambien Works to Treat Insomnia
Anyone who’s taken Ambien knows it works very rapidly, sometimes before you an even get to bed if you’ve taken before you’re prepared. And the drug generally leaves you without a hangover the following morning, which makes it quite popular. This hypnotic drug is an intense muscle relaxant that lets your body simulate a sleep-wake cycle. The true purpose of Ambien is to put you to sleep quickly – so no lengthy sleep latency – and help you sleep soundly for a full night’s rest, what most insomnia sufferers are missing.
Take one Ambien tablet just before bed with a glass of water and as prescribed by your doctor. Elderly patients are usually prescribed a half dose.
Types of Ambien
Ambien and Ambien CR are the two types of Ambien on the market. How are they different? Ambien plain is the original kick you in the butt sleep aid. The newer Ambien CR, meaning controlled release, provides a more balanced release of active ingredient over the course of the night. This, claims physicians, is more consistent with a sound sleep pattern and doesn’t bombard your system all at once.
Side Effects of Ambien Use
Like every controlled substance Ambien comes with its share of potential side effects. Any time you experience behavior or symptoms unusual to what you have been told are common you should see your doctor. Common side effects include drowsiness, diarrhea and confusion.
Make sure your doctor knows about any medication you are taking before you are prescribed Ambien.
