Zolpidem

Pronounced ZOLE-pi-dem

Brand names: Ambien

Type: Sedative-hypnotic (sleep medicine) · All Mental Health Medicines

What Zolpidem is used for

• Insomnia, short-term
• Middle-of-the-night awakening (a specific low-amount product)

Common side effects

• Drowsiness the next day
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Important cautions

• Can cause complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-driving, sleep-walking, and preparing food while not fully awake — stop and tell your care team if these occur
• Risk rises with alcohol, opioids, and other sedatives, and the morning-after impairment risk is higher in women, who clear it more slowly

How it comes

Tablets, extended-release tablets, dissolving tablets, oral spray. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.