Zolpidem - Insomnia Medication Information

Zolpidem is a prescription medication used for short term treatment of insomnia, and also for some types of brain disorders. It usually works within fifteen minutes after taking it. Zolpidem is called a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic that binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. Other names of Zopiden are Adormix, Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Damixan, Hypnogen, Ivedal, Lioran, Nytamel, Sanval, Stilnoct, Stilnox, Stilnox CR, Sucedal, Zoldem, Zolnod and Zolpihexal.

Drug Uses

As a muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant, Zopidem has beneficial effects that start at about ten and twenty times the dose that is required for sedation. For that reason, it has never been approved for muscle relaxation or seizure prevention. Increased dosages are more likely to cause negative side-effects, including hallucinations or amnesia.

Zopidem is approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia and is usually prescribed for one to two days and not more than two to six weeks. Zopidem is a sedative that causes sedation, muscle relaxation, reduce anxiety and also act as an anti-convulsant. As a medication it is used for sleep. There is also a spray form that you spray in your mouth and it is absorbed more quickly than the tablet form.

Interactions, Precautions, And Side Effects

There are some drug interactions that may happen when taking Zolpidem and other drugs or medicines. When taken with alcohol, Zopidem can have a depressing effect on breathing so those with respiratory diseases need to be cautious. If you take Zopidem in a higher dose than prescribed, it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, the sweats, shaking, and muscle cramps. If you stop taking the drug abruptly it can cause sleep driving, confusion, and paradoxical insomnia. If you have any of these side effects you should discontinue taking the medication immediately. The most common side effects of Zopidem are visual problems, euphoria, ataxia, insomnia, drowsiness and dizziness.

Zopidem should be taken before bedtime on an empty stomach and used exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor. Never take it or any other medication longer than your doctor recommends because it may be habit forming. Some conditions may become worse if the drug is stopped suddenly so you may need to gradually decrease the amount you are taking. If you feel Zopidem is not working for you or stops working you may want to talk to your doctor about alternative complementary treatments or medicines or other medications that can help. Once you have stopped taking Zopidem, there is a chance that you will have trouble sleeping for one or two nights, this is called rebound insomnia and is normal and will go away.

In some patients, memory loss is a side effect of taking this drug but can sometimes be avoided by taking it only when you are sure that you can get at least seven to eight hours of sleep. If after taking Zopidem you feel depressed, unusual tiredness, mood swings, increased heart rate, feel unsteady, or if you have chest pain, call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction are rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing.
If you decide to use prescription medications you can save money by purchasing your medications from overseas online pharmacies like MedsIndia.com, they generally sell for much less than pharmacies within the United States. MedisIndia.com and other online pharmacies carry Zopidem and other drugs and can ship right to your front door.