Zolpidem

What zolpidem is for

Zolpidem is a short-term treatment for sleeping problems (insomnia).

A doctor may prescribe zolpidem if you have problems with falling asleep, waking up during the night or waking up too early and it's affecting your everyday life.

Zolpidem is a type of sleeping pill that's sometimes known as a hypnotic, or Z-drug.

How to take Zolpidem

Zolpidem usually comes as tablets that you swallow whole with a drink of water. There's also a type of tablet that you take by dissolving it in your mouth (orodispersible).

You take zolpidem once a day, just before going to bed. It takes around 30 to 60 minutes to start working.

Zolpidem treatment usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. It's not usually prescribed for longer than 4 weeks because your body can become used to it and it stops working as well (this is known as tolerance).

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of zolpidem

If you forget to take a dose of zolpidem, you will have to wait until your next bedtime to take your next dose.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you take too much zolpidem

Taking an extra dose of zolpidem can be dangerous.

How to stop taking zolpidem

Do not stop taking zolpidem suddenly. It can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms such as feeling agitated or anxious.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose so that you can stop taking it safely. Always follow your doctor's advice.

It's possible to become addicted to zolpidem. Your doctor will only prescribe it for a short time, at the lowest dose you need.

Talk to your doctor if you're worried about addiction or stopping taking zolpidem.

Side effects of zolpidem

Like all medicines, zolpidem can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of zolpidem include:

• diarrhoea
• feeling sick (nausea)
• stomach pain
• headache
• tiredness
• dizziness

Do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery for 8 hours after taking zolpidem. If you feel sleepy, dazed or less alert, wait until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Zolpidem can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of zolpidem include:

• difficulty breathing
• sleepwalking, or doing things while not fully awake, like eating, talking on the phone or driving
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• mental health problems – hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), believing things are not true (delusions), feeling low or depressed, or having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself

Who can and cannot take zolpidem

Most adults can take zolpidem.

But zolpidem is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had a serious side effect or allergic reaction to zolpidem or another hypnotic medicine (Z-drug)
• you have a lung or liver problem
• you stop breathing for short periods during your sleep (sleep apnoea)
• you have a muscle weakness, or a condition called myasthenia gravis
• you have a mental health condition
• you have been addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine before

Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and zolpidem

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

You can usually use zolpidem for a short time while breastfeeding, but your doctor may want to check your baby does not get side effects such as drowsiness while you’re taking it.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby or call NHS 111.

Do not sleep in the same bed (co-sleep) with your baby if you've taken zopiclone or any other medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Pregnancy and zolpidem

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant while taking zolpidem.

Zolpidem is sometimes used during pregnancy. It may be prescribed for a short time if your sleeping problems are severe and other treatments have not worked.

If needed, your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while pregnant.

Find out more about taking zolpidem during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking zolpidem with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with zolpidem.

These include:

• other medicines for sleep or anxiety problems, including other hypnotic medicines
• some antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine) and other medicines for mental health problems called antipsychotics
• medicines for hay fever, rashes or other allergies that can make you feel sleepy (drowsy or sedating antihistamines), such as chlorphenamine or promethazine
• opioid painkillers (such as codeine or morphine)
• medicines for epilepsy

Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with zolpidem

Do not drink alcohol while taking zolpidem. Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.