AMBIEN (zolpidem tartrate) can be very effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia. When taken as prescribed, AMBIEN can give you the good night's sleep your body demands without lingering drowsiness the next day.

AMBIEN is a short-term (7- to 10-day) prescription sleep aid for people who have difficulty falling asleep, have trouble remaining asleep, or awaken too early in the morning. AMBIEN helps restore your quality of sleep. It was introduced in Europe in 1988, and in the United States five years later. To date, more than 4 billion doses of AMBIEN have been prescribed worldwide.

How should I take AMBIEN?

Take AMBIEN exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your healthcare provider to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. AMBIEN will make you drowsy so take AMBIEN just before you go to bed. Take AMBIEN only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again.

Do not take AMBIEN more than what is prescribed for you.

Do not stop taking AMBIEN abruptly if you have been taking it for more than 1 or 2 weeks as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop your treatment with AMBIEN.

Store AMBIEN at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since AMBIEN is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose only if you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effects from AMBIEN after you wake up.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a AMBIEN overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking AMBIEN?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. AMBIEN will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. AMBIEN should be taken just before bedtime. You may experience some carryover effects the next day.

Do not drink alcohol while taking AMBIEN. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking AMBIEN, which could be dangerous.

Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are taking AMBIEN unless your doctor directs otherwise.