Zolpidem

Zolpidem

Zolpidem is a medication that is sold under the brand name Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Stilnox. It is used for the management of sleeping problems. It belongs to the class of medications called sedatives (hypnotics) that balance the chemicals in the brain. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1992. It is available in the form of extended-release tablets, tablets, and spray.

What is zolpidem used for?

Zolpidem is a sleep medication that helps to induce sleep in insomnia patients (who have trouble sleeping and staying asleep). It can be used for both increasing onsets of sleep and sleep onset latency. It is a second line treatment for insomniac patients if cognitive therapy did not work. This medication helps to fall asleep rapidly and makes you stay asleep. It increases the slow wave of sleep. It acts on the brain to produce a calming and relaxing effect. It belongs to the group of medicines called CNS depressants, which will reduce the activity of your brain and help you fall asleep quickly.

How effective is zolpidem?

Zolpidem is an effective medication for insomnia that is only used for short periods such as one to two days. It works by increasing GABA receptors in CNS by binding to GABA receptors. Its bioavailability is 70%. It starts working in 30 minutes and reaches its peak concentration in 1-1.5 hours. In a controlled clinical study, it was reported that zolpidem decreased sleep latency for up to 35 days. It is effective in increasing total sleep time and reducing latency time to persistent sleep. It starts working within one hour and reduces the time to sleep onset by 15 minutes. 

How should I take zolpidem?

Zolpidem is only available on a doctor's prescription. Some key points should be followed when taking zolpidem are:

• Swallow the tablets.
• Do not cut, crush or chew them.
• Take zolpidem just before going to bed.
• As a sublingual tablet, it should be placed under the tongue.
• As a spray, it should be sprayed over the tongue in the mouth.
• Do not take this medicine while drinking alcohol. 
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach, do not take it with food because it will not work properly with meals.
• Take one tablet a day.
• Follow the instructions on the prescription carefully.

What dose of zolpidem should I take?

The dose of zolpidem should be prescribed by the doctor. The dosage of this medication will be different for each patient. This medication is usually initiated with a low dose. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you. 

• For treatment of insomnia, extended-release tablets of 6.25mg are given once a day before bedtime. 
• The dosage of tablets is 5-10 mg once a day, before bedtime. 
• Your doctor may increase the dose as needed.
• The daily dose limit should not exceed 10 mg.
• If you miss a dose, skip that.
• Do not double the dose.
• This medication is not recommended for children.
• In case of any kidney disease, the dose will be lower than 5mg.
• Store the medication at room temperature. 
• Keep it away from the reach of children. 
• In case of overdose, ask for medical help immediately. 

Why is zolpidem considered as a good treatment for insomnia?

Zolpidem is considered as a good treatment for insomnia because it has immediate effects. It starts working within one hour. It makes you fall asleep more quickly, increases sleep time and improves the quality of sleep. It is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia and short term insomnia both. Patients with the major depressive disorder also use this medication along with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to improve their sleep. But it is only used for short term management of insomnia. Prolonged use of this medication can cause physical and emotional dependence. 

What are the side effects of zolpidem?

Like every medication out there, zolpidem can also cause some side effects. It includes:

• Bitter taste
• Metallic taste
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Sinusitis 
• Constipation 
• Lethargy
• Sore throat
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Unsteady walking
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Eye redness
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Amnesia
• Drugged feeling
• Palpitations
• Pounding heartbeat
• Ringing, pain, and itching in ears
• Pain, burning, and numbness in hands

Some serious side effects include:

• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Delusions
• Increased risk of falls
• Rash
• Wheezing
• Swelling of eyes and face
• Jaundice
• Blurred vision
• Hives
• Chest tightness

In case of these side effects, consult your doctor immediately.

Alternative treatment options for insomnia?

There are so many other treatment options for insomnia other than zolpidem. They include:

• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Light therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Regular exercise
• Stimulus control therapy
• Sleep restriction and compression

Cognitive behavior therapy is considered as first line treatment of insomnia because it is free of side effects. It helps you get rid of negative thoughts and tensions that keep you up at night. The behavioral part helps in developing good sleep habits. It includes the education of patients, which is the most important factor. Patients should be aware of their sleeping patterns. It focuses on promoting behaviors that improve the quality of sleep. Relaxation techniques can also help to achieve the goal of good sleep quality by reducing anxiety and stress.  It includes breathing exercises, performing yoga, and biofeedback (therapy that helps you control body processes such as blood pressure and muscle tension). Other than these treatments medications are also available to treat insomnia. They include:

• Melatonin agonist (Luzindole)
• Non-benzodiazepines
• Orexin receptor antagonist
• Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
• Ramelteon (Rozerem)
• Zaleplon (Sonata)
• Antihistamines

Certain antidepressants and antipsychotic medications are also helpful in treating insomnia. Melatonin agonists help in balancing the amount of melatonin in the body which will eventually have a calming effect on mind and help in improving sleep quality and time.

Can I buy zolpidem online?

Zolpidem is a medication that is only sold by doctor's prescription. Before selling this medication online, a valid prescription is required. It is available on some websites like ibuyalprazolam.com.