AMBIENTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have insomnia, which means you have trouble sleeping, you may be prescribedAmbien. You may also be familiar with its generic name, Zolpidem. Ambien is a highalert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly as prescribed it may causeillness or injury.To understand how Ambien works, let’s look at what happens in your body when youare trying to sleep.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you are ready to sleep,the messages being fired in your brain slow down allowing you to fall asleep. Butwhen you have insomnia, your brain cannot slow down the messages, and you stayawake.Ambien enhances a chemical in the brain called GABA, which helps calm down thesignals that are firing in your brain so you can fall asleep.Ambien comes in a fast-acting tablet, or an extended release tablet that will help youboth, fall asleep, and stay asleep. Your healthcare provider will decide how much youneed to take and how best to take it.Ambien is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Ambienif you are allergic to the ingredients in it.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your healthcareprovider before taking Ambien. A different medication may be safer for you and yourbaby.Before taking Ambien, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of:kidney disease, liver disease, asthma or other breathing problems, sleep apnea, ordepression.20% gradient meshAmbien can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of: street drugs,prescription medications or alcohol, tell your healthcare provider. There may healthclipsbe adifferent medication available for you.healthclipsBefore taking Ambien, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all othermedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.healthclipshealthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10027_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshAMBIENTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Some side effects of Ambien include: feeling tired in the daytime, dizziness, weakness,feeling lightheaded, stuffy nose, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, headache andmuscle pain. If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcareprovider about how to manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Ambien. Get up froma sitting or lying position slowly.Sometimes the medication can remain at a high enough level in the morning toimpact you. Make sure you are fully awake before you drive or operate heavymachinery, including your car, while taking Ambien.Do not take Ambien if you have had alcohol within the past 6 hours.When taking Ambien, you may do things you don’t remember doing, such as sleepeating or sleep walking. Women and the elderly are more likely to experience theseeffects. If this happens to you, stop taking Ambien and call your healthcare provider.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, troubleswallowing, or if you feel like you may pass out; call your healthcare provider rightaway.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Ambien exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longer thanprescribed.20% gradient meshWhen taking an Ambien extended release tablet, always swallow the tablet whole withplenty of water. Do not cut, break, chew, crush or dissolve this medication.healthclipsAmbien is usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Make sure you get a full 7 to 8healthclipshours of sleep when taking it.Do not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Ambien, call 911. Anhealthclipsoverdose can lead to death.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10027_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshAMBIENTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Store Ambien away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit could get too hot or too cold. Always store your medication out of sight and out ofreach of children to prevent accidents.When you are done taking Ambien tablets, crush all of your remaining pills and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds.Do not sell or give your Ambien to anyone else. It is against the law and can seriouslyharm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for more information onproper disposal directions.Ambien can help you get the sleep you need. But it is a powerful medication thatshould only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Ambien,ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10027_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
