Ambien CR (Zolpidem Tartrate): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects ... - RxList

What Is Ambien CR?

Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate) is a sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat patients with insomnia and other problems with sleeping like maintaining sleep. The CR means extended release. Ambien CR is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Ambien CR?

Common side effects of Ambien CR include:

• daytime drowsiness,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• feeling "drugged,"
• lightheadedness,
• tired feeling,
• loss of coordination,
• stuffy nose,
• dry mouth,
• nose or throat irritation,
• nausea,
• constipation,
• diarrhea,
• upset stomach,
• muscle pain,
• depression, and
• unusual thinking, including thoughts of self-injury, anxiety, aggression, and risk-taking.

Tell your doctor if you have any infrequent but severe side effects of Ambien CR including:

• allergic reactions,
• chest pain,
• irregular heartbeats,
• dementia,
• blood clots, and
• skin reactions.

Unusual and dangerous "sleep driving" has occurred with a few patients.

Dosage for Ambien CR

The recommended initial dose of Ambien CR is 6.25 mg for women and either 6.25 or 12.5 mg for men, taken only once per night immediately before bedtime with at least 7-8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Ambien CR?

Ambien CR may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as cold medicines, pain medications, muscle relaxants, and medicines for depression, anxiety, or seizures), chlorpromazine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Ambien CR During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Ambien CR. It is unknown if Ambien CR will harm a fetus. Ambien CR can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Ambien CR Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.