When you should not use this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to zolpidem.

How to use and store this medicine

Tablets:

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• This medicine is usually taken just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep.
• Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose:

• This medicine is usually given when you cannot sleep. You do not need to keep a schedule for taking it.
• You should not use two doses at the same time

How to use this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other medicines that make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, medicines for depression or nervousness, or strong pain killers.

Warnings

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney or liver disease, or breathing problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever abused alcohol or other drugs.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression.
• You should not use more of this medicine or take it more often than your doctor prescribed. This is especially important for older adults.
• You should not use this medicine if you are not able to sleep or rest for about 7 to 8 hours before you need to be active again.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. You should not use more or take it for longer periods of time than your doctor ordered. If you continue to have problems sleeping, check with your doctor.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before stopping completely.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Avoid driving a car or using machinery after taking a dose of this medicine.

Side effects

• Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Severe depression or thoughts of suicide
• Trouble breathing

If you have problems with these less serious side effects, tell your doctor.

• Confusion
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Double vision
• Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, clumsiness
• Headache
• Irritability or agitation
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Trouble concentrating or memory loss
• Unusual or disturbing thoughts or behavior