Ambien
(zolpidem)
Helps you sleep.
Our bottom line
Ambien (zolpidem) aids in falling asleep and staying asleep, but it can be habit-forming and might be more likely than other sleep medicines to cause side effects.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (zolpidem)
Upsides
- Effective at helping people fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
- Extended release form is particularly good for staying asleep, and you can use it for longer than the immediate release form.
- Generic is available.
What to expect from Ambien, on one page
Downsides
- Not typically used for long-term treatment because it can be habit-forming.
- Some people find that Ambien (zolpidem) becomes less effective over time.
- More likely to cause sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and sleep-eating.
- Might not be safe if you have problems with your liver, kidneys, lungs, or if you have a history of depression.
What to expect from Ambien, on one page
Ambien (zolpidem) is in a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It interacts with your brain to make you relaxed and sleepy.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (zolpidem)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral spray
- Sublingual pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$16.09Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$17.72
- Get free coupon$21.51
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What to expect when you take Ambien (zolpidem) for Insomnia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Drowsiness
- Abnormal dreams
- Memory impairment
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Ambien (zolpidem)
- Drowsiness8%8%5%5%
- Headache7%7%6%6%
- Dizziness5%5%1%1%
- Allergic reactions4%4%1%1%
- Sinus infection4%4%2%2%
- Dry mouth3%3%1%1%
- Back pain3%3%2%2%
- Lack of energy3%3%1%1%
- Drugged feeling3%3%
- Diarrhea3%3%2%2%
- Sore throat3%3%1%1%
- Drowsiness2%2%
- Flu-like symptoms2%2%
- Racing heart2%2%
- Lightheadedness2%2%1%1%
- Depression2%2%1%1%
- Abdominal pain2%2%2%2%
- Constipation2%2%1%1%
- Rash2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Ambien.
People taking Ambien felt side effect more
People taking Ambien felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Ambien (zolpidem)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Continuous use of Ambien (zolpidem) for 2 weeks or more
All prescription sleep-aid medicines in the same category as Ambien (zolpidem) have a risk of physical dependence. Dependence means that you'll feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication all at once. Talk to your doctor about natural ways to improve sleep or treat underlying conditions that prevent sleep.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
Zolpidem treats insomnia characterized by difficulty sleeping, either falling asleep or staying asleep through the night.Common concerns from people taking Ambien (zolpidem)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Avoid alcohol and drugs when taking Ambien (zolpidem).
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Ambienon 9/20/2017It worked very well for me for 15 years, but I don't drink alcohol. Most people I know that had a problem with ambien also drank wine and beer. Dr will no longer prescribe because I'm over 65. Taken Tramadol and Restirol neither work as well. Its very sad when they put everyone in the same box. I also have sleep paralysis.67WomanTwo years or moreInsomnia (long-term treatment)
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Ambienon 7/2/2016Do not consume alcohol before taking this medication. You may not be yourself, or remember what you did.37ManInsomnia (short-term treatment)
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Ambienon 8/23/2015Works best without food -3 hours prior to sleep!!!52ManInsomnia (long-term treatment)
- Might not be safe if you have problems with your liver, kidneys, lungs, or if you have a history of depression.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Ambienon 9/8/2016Causes back pain while your asleep in weird positions.womt feel it till u wake up.24ManInsomnia (short-term treatment)
- Ambien (zolpidem) makes you feel drowsy and sleepy, potentially leading to falls and severe injuries. This is especially a risk if you're older. Falls from sleep medicines like Ambien (zolpidem) have caused severe injuries such as hip fractures and head injury. You may need a lower dose if you're taking other medications that also cause drowsiness. Check with your doctor first.
- Only take it if you have time to sleep for at least 8 hours.
- Effective at helping people fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Ambienon 5/23/2020sleep eating sometimes, sleep walking can happen occasionally.35WomanTwo years or moreInsomnia (long-term treatment)
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed zolpidemon 11/13/2019I take it at night around 9:30 and I sleep throughout the night without any problems except the doctors and insurance company have problems w me taking it,crazy!65WomanTwo years or moreInsomnia (long-term treatment)
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed zolpidemon 4/28/2019Drowsiness, Dizziness, Drugged feeling, Tactile hallucinations, Vivid hallucinations that probably should be in a dream but aren’t due to being awake on this medication. Almost feel floaty. Not sure who will understand, But I truly felt like I was trippin on shrooms.24WomanJust as neededInsomnia (short-term treatment)
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Ambienon 8/5/2017Gain weight61WomanTwo years or moreInsomnia (long-term treatment)