If you think you need to take zolpidem for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to discuss it with your family doctor. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a sign of another medical problem.
This drug will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants - medication that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or drug for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping drug; prescription pain drug or narcotics; barbiturates; drug for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics Check with your family doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this drug .
This drug may cause some people, especially older people, to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or less alert than they are normally. Even though zolpidem is taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Always this drug may cause double vision or other vision problems Make sure you know how you react to zolpidem before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, or are not alert or able to see well .
If you develop any unusual and strange thoughts or behavior while you are taking zolpidem, be sure to discuss it with your family doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people taking this drug are like those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes may be more unusual and extreme, such as confusion, worsening of depression hallucinations - seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, suicidal thoughts and unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability.
If you will be taking zolpidem for a long time, do not stop taking it without first checking with your family doctor. Your family doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely. Stopping this drug suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.
After taking zolpidem for insomnia, you may have difficulty sleeping - rebound insomnia for the first few nights after you stop taking it.
If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this drug, get emergency help at once . Taking an overdose of zolpidem or taking alcohol or other CNS depressants with zolpidem may lead to breathing problems and unconsciousness. Some signs of an overdose are severe drowsiness, severe nausea or vomiting, staggering and troubled breathing.