How does AMBIEN work?
AMBIEN helps people suffering from insomnia fall
asleep within 15 to 30 minutes. AMBIEN should only
be taken when you are ready to go to sleep. Further,
AMBIEN helps you stay asleep and not wake up too
early. Avoid taking AMBIEN unless you are prepared
to devote a full 7 to 8 hours to sleeping.
Will I feel drowsy the
next day?
Generally, you won't have to sacrifice next-day
performance for a good night's sleep with AMBIEN.
A study of about 500 volunteers with insomnia who
were given alertness tests the morning after taking
AMBIEN found that they performed just as well as
people who were given a placebo. In short-term clinical
trials, only 2% of people taking AMBIEN reported
feeling sleepy during the daytime. Taking AMBIEN
as directed will minimize the risk of next-day drowsiness.
Regarding elderly patients, one study reported a
small but statistically significant decrease in
performance in a test of dexterity when compared
with a placebo.
Can I take AMBIEN if I'm also
taking other medications?
Some medications, even those available without prescription,
can interfere with or amplify the effect of AMBIEN.
Before taking any other drug, consult with your
doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions
with AMBIEN. Avoid alcohol while taking AMBIEN.
Can I take AMBIEN if I'm
pregnant?
Studies to assess the effects of AMBIEN on human
reproduction and development have not been conducted
and therefore use of AMBIEN during pregnancy is
not recommended. It should be considered ONLY if
your physician determines it is needed. Sleep medicines
can cause sedation of the unborn baby when used
during the final weeks of pregnancy. Be sure to
inform your doctor if you are pregnant, if you are
planning a pregnancy or if you become pregnant while
taking sleep medicines.
I'm an older adult who has insomnia.
Will AMBIEN work for me?
Yes, AMBIEN is an effective short-term treatment
for insomnia in older adults and the elderly. However,
your sensitivity to the actions of drugs such as
AMBIEN may be greater, so a lower dose should be
considered to decrease the possibility of negative
side effects.
How long can I safely take
AMBIEN?
AMBIEN, like most other sleep medicines, is most
often initially prescribed for 7-10 days as needed.
Your doctor will advise you if it is suitable to
take it for a longer period of time.
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