AMBIEN CR ZOLPIDEM ER 12.5 MG

Table of Contents

1. Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg Overview
2. What Is Ambien CR?
3. How Ambien CR Works
4. Use for Insomnia
5. How to Take Ambien CR
6. Important Complex Sleep Behavior Warning
7. Next-Day Impairment
8. Possible Side Effects
9. Drug Interactions and Alcohol
10. Dependence and Withdrawal
11. Storage and Safe Handling
12. Frequently Asked Questions

Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg Overview

Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg is a prescription extended-release sleep medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia involving difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Buy Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg because it contains zolpidem tartrate, a medication that acts as a positive modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor system. The extended-release formulation is designed to help address both sleep onset and sleep maintenance difficulties.

Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg  is a prescription medicine and should be used only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The medicine is available in extended-release strengths such as 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg. The appropriate dose depends on your sex, age, liver function, other medicines you are taking and how you respond to treatment.

Sleeping medicines can cause sedation, impaired alertness, dependence and unusual behaviors. Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg Treatment should therefore be individualized and regularly reviewed.

What Is AMBIEN CR ZOLPIDEM ER 12.5 MG?

Ambien CR is an extended-release formulation of zolpidem tartrate. Zolpidem is commonly described as a sedative-hypnotic medicine. It acts on the brain to produce sleep-promoting effects. The “CR” designation refers to the controlled or extended-release nature of the tablet. The formulation is designed to release the medicine in a manner that mayfalling asleepeep falling. Ambien CR is meant for the treatment of insomnia and should not be used for recreational sedation or without a doctor’s supervision.

How AMBIEN CR ZOLPIDEM ER 12.5 MG Works

Ambien CR acts on the activity of the GABA-A receptor in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is associated with reduced activity in some parts of the brain. Zolpidem has sedative and hypnotic effects by modulating GABA-A receptor activity in the positive direction. The extended-release design differs from immediate-release zolpidem products.The tablet should therefore be swallowed whole. Crushing, chewing, or dividing an extended-release tablet can interfere with how the formulation is designed to release the medicine.

Use for Insomnia

Ambien CR is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Insomnia can involve:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking repeatedly during the night
• Difficulty returning to sleep
• Waking too early

However, sleep problems can sometimes be related to other medical or psychological conditions. Possible causes of insomnia that your doctor or nurse may check for include: 

Stress Anxiety

Depressions

Sleep Apnea 

Other sleep disorders Effects of the drug Illness, medical. The prescribing information states that if insomnia continues, re-evaluate the patient’s condition.

How to Take Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg

Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg should be taken exactly as prescribed. The current prescribing information recommends using the lowest effective dose and limiting treatment duration as much as clinically appropriate. The medicine is taken only once per night immediately before bedtime, with sufficient time remaining for a full night’s sleep—generally 7 to 8 hours before planned awakening.

The tablet should:

• Be swallowed whole
• Not be crushed
• Not be divided
• Not be chewed

The effect may be delayed when taken with or immediately after a meal. Patients should not take an additional dose during the same night unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

Important Complex Sleep Behavior Warning

Ambien CR carries a boxed warning regarding complex sleep behaviours. These behaviours may include:

• Sleep-walking
• Sleep-driving
• Preparing or eating food while not fully awake
• Making phone calls

Engaging in other activities with little or no memory afterward Some reported events have resulted in serious injury or death.

According to the prescribing information, Ambien CR Zolpidem ER 12.5 mg  should be discontinued immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior, and the medicine is contraindicated in people who have previously experienced such behaviors after taking Ambien CR or other zolpidem products. Patients and caregivers should take this warning seriously.

Next-Day Impairment

Ambien CR may cause a decrease in alertness, coordination, reaction time and judgment. Some people may be impaired the following day, even when fully awake.

You may be at greater risk if:

• Higher dosages
• Not enough sleep time 
• Drinking alcohol

Patients should be cautious about driving, operating machinery, or performing other activities requiring full mental alertness.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects include: Sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, tiredness and Trouble concentrating Loss of coordination

Some people may experience unusual thoughts or changes in their behavior.Very serious allergic reactions include swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing and medical attention right away. If you experience any severe, unusual or persistent side effects, contact a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions and Alcohol

Ambien CR may interact with other central nervous system depressant medicines. Examples could be:

• Opioid Pain Medications Benzodiazepines
• Other medicines for sleeping Calming Agents
• Some anti-anxiety medications Alcohols

Concomitant use of zolpidem with alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase sedation and impairment. The prescribing information specifically warns about additive effects with other CNS depressants and advises against alcohol use.Patients should provide their healthcare professional with a complete list of all medicines and supplements before starting treatment.

Dependence and Withdrawal

AMBIEN CR ZOLPIDEM ER 12.5 MG is a controlled prescription medicine. The risk of abuse and dependence increases with longer duration of treatment . The prescribing information advises that the patient should be reassessed and not undergo prolonged treatment. Some people who have been taking sleeping medicines for a long time may experience withdrawal or rebound insomnia if they suddenly stop taking them. Patients should not change or discontinue their medication without discussing the appropriate approach with their healthcare professional.

Special Precautions

Some patients may require a lower dose or additional monitoring. The prescribing information recommends a 6.25 mg dose for geriatric patients and for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Severe hepatic impairment requires special consideration.

Patients should discuss their medical history with their prescriber, particularly if they have:

• Liver problems
• Breathing disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Depression
• A history of substance misuse
• Previous unusual reactions to sleeping medicines

Storage and Safe Handling

Store AMBIEN CR ZOLPIDEM ER 12.5 MG according to the prescription label and manufacturer instructions. General recommendations include:

• Keep the medicine in its original container.
• Store it away from children.
• Do not share it with another person.
• Keep controlled medicines secure.
• Dispose of unused medication through an appropriate medication-disposal program when available.
• Never take another person’s sleeping medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Ambien CR 12.5 mg used for?

Ambien CR is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia involving difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.

2. Is Ambien CR different from regular Ambien?

Ambien CR is an extended-release formulation of zolpidem that is indicated for sleep onset and sleep maintenance.

3. Can Ambien CR be crushed?

No. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed, divided or chewed.

4. Can I drink alcohol with Ambien CR?

Don’t mix Ambien CR with alcohol. This combination can increase your sedation and impairment.

5. What are complex sleep behaviors?

These are things like sleep-walking or sleep-driving which are done when not fully awake, sometimes with no memory of the event afterward. These actions can result in serious injury or death.

6. Is Ambien CR habit-forming?

Misuse, dependence and withdrawal have been associated with Zolpidem, particularly with prolonged use or inappropriate use. A doctor should periodically review the treatment.