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Frequently Asked Questions

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Roll over questions to find the answers to some frequently asked questions about Ambien CR.

  • What is AMBIEN CR?

    • What is AMBIEN CR?

      AMBIEN CR is the latest formulation of the sleep aid AMBIEN® (zolpidem tartrate) CIV tablets. AMBIEN CR is the only prescription, 2-layer sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia. The first layer dissolves quickly, to help you get to sleep fast. Then, the second layer dissolves slowly, to help you stay asleep, so you wake up less frequently and fall back to sleep faster. In clinical studies AMBIEN CR was proven effective for up to 7 hours and can be taken for as long as your physician recommends.

  • How is AMBIEN CR different from AMBIEN?

    • How is AMBIEN CR different from AMBIEN?

      AMBIEN is a prescription sleep medication for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. AMBIEN is also only indicated to help you fall asleep. AMBIEN CR is different. AMBIEN CR has two layers. The first layer helps you fall asleep; the second layer helps you stay asleep*.

      *Proven effective for up to 7 hours in clinical studies.

  • Who should take AMBIEN CR?

    • Who should take AMBIEN CR?

      AMBIEN CR is used to treat adults with insomnia. If you experience symptoms of insomnia, such as difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep, you should speak with your healthcare professional about how to manage your symptoms. Your healthcare professional can determine if a prescription sleep aid, such as AMBIEN CR is appropriate for you.

  • How should I take AMBIEN CR?

    • How should I take AMBIEN CR?

      It's important that you only take AMBIEN CR as directed by your healthcare professional and as described in the prescribing information. Important things to remember when taking AMBIEN CR are:

      • AMBIEN CR should be taken in the exact dose prescribed and ask your healthcare professional before taking
      AMBIEN CR with other medicines
      • AMBIEN CR should be taken only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours)
      • AMBIEN CR should be taken immediately before going to bed
      • AMBIEN CR should not be taken with alcohol.
      • AMBIEN CR tablets should not be divided, crushed, or chewed, and must be swallowed whole.
      • To fall asleep faster AMBIEN CR should not be taken with or immediately after a meal.
      • Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking any sleep medication until you know how it will affect you upon awakening.

      For additional information, read about the safe use of AMBIEN CR and please see additional important information.

  • What does my healthcare professional need to know before prescribing AMBIEN CR to me?

    • What does my healthcare professional need to know before prescribing AMBIEN CR to me?

      Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you:

      • Drink alcohol
      • Have a history of alcohol or drug dependency
      • Are pregnant or breast-feeding
      • Have any breathing difficulties, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema
      • Have a history of heavy snoring
      • Have a history of depression or currently are experiencing depression
      • Have liver disease
  • How fast will I fall asleep with AMBIEN CR?

    • How fast will I fall asleep with AMBIEN CR?

      AMBIEN CR works very quickly. Some individuals fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes, so only take AMBIEN CR right before bed and when you’re able to get a full night's (7 to 8 hours) sleep.

  • Can I take AMBIEN CR with alcohol?

    • Can I take AMBIEN CR with alcohol?

      Never drink alcohol while you are taking AMBIEN CR or any other sleep medicines. Alcohol can increase the side effects of AMBIEN CR or other sleep medicines.

  • Can I take AMBIEN CR if I'm also taking other medications?

    • Can I take AMBIEN CR if I'm also taking other medications?

      Always ask your healthcare professional before taking other medications with AMBIEN CR. This includes medicines that you can buy without a prescription. Some medications, even those available without prescription, can interfere with or increase the effect of AMBIEN CR.

  • Can I take AMBIEN CR with food?

    • Can I take AMBIEN CR with food?

      You can take AMBIEN CR with food but it may take you longer to fall asleep. NEVER drink alcohol while you are being treated with AMBIEN CR or other sleep aid medicine. Alcohol can increase the side effects.

  • Can I take AMBIEN CR if I'm pregnant?

    • Can I take AMBIEN CR if I'm pregnant?

      There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of AMBIEN CR in pregnant women.

      AMBIEN CR should be used during pregnancy only if your healthcare professional feels the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

  • Do I need to be concerned about taking too much AMBIEN CR at once?

    • Do I need to be concerned about taking too much AMBIEN CR at once?

      AMBIEN CR is proven to be safe. As with all medications, you should take AMBIEN CR as directed by your health care provider. There have been reports of overdoses which we describe on the label, when taken alone or with central nervous system depressant medications. Only take AMBIEN CR at the exact dose recommended by your physician.

  • How long can I safely take AMBIEN CR?

    • How long can I safely take AMBIEN CR?

      As with all medications, you should take AMBIEN CR as directed by your health care provider. AMBIEN CR is non-narcotic and should not be taken for extended periods of time without first talking to your healthcare professional. The failure of insomnia to go away after a week to 10 days of treatment with AMBIEN CR may indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition, and patients should be reevaluated by a physician if symptoms persist.

  • Can I take AMBIEN CR if I wake up in the middle of the night?

    • Can I take AMBIEN CR if I wake up in the middle of the night?

      Only take AMBIEN CR when you are prepared to devote a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep. This gives your body the time it needs to absorb and eliminate the drug, so you can wake up and concentrate on the day ahead.** Remember to always take AMBIEN CR as directed by your healthcare professional.

      **Individual results may vary.

  • Can I become addicted to AMBIEN CR?

    • Can I become addicted to AMBIEN CR?

      Studies show that, when taken as prescribed,
      AMBIEN CR may safely and effectively treat insomnia with no evidence of tolerance or dose escalation. However, most sleep medicines have some risk of dependence. People with a history of addiction, or alcohol and drug abuse, are at an increased risk of habituation and dependence from AMBIEN CR and similar medications. They should be under careful surveillance, if their healthcare professional prescribes AMBIEN CR.

  • Is it okay to stop taking AMBIEN CR without consulting my healthcare professional?

    • Is it okay to stop taking AMBIEN CR without consulting my healthcare professional?

      No, always follow your healthcare professional's instructions when reducing or stopping your use of AMBIEN CR. You should consult your healthcare professional if you are considering any changes in medication.

  • What happens if I stop taking AMBIEN CR?

    • What happens if I stop taking AMBIEN CR?

      If you've been taking AMBIEN CR for more than a week or two, you shouldn't stop taking it on your own. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

      In two clinical studies of patients with insomnia, a rebound effect (worsening of insomnia) was only observed on the first night after an abrupt discontinuation of AMBIEN CR. On the second night, there was no worsening of insomnia.

  • What are the most common side effects of AMBIEN CR?

    • What are the most common side effects of AMBIEN CR?

      All medicines have potential side effects. During treatment with AMBIEN CR the most commonly observed side effects in clinical trials were next-day headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness.

  • I'm an adult over 65 years of age who has insomnia. Will AMBIEN CR work for me?

    • I'm an adult over 65 years of age who has insomnia. Will AMBIEN CR work for me?

      Yes. AMBIEN CR is an effective treatment for insomnia in older adults. It is recommended that AMBIEN CR be administered in a 6.25 mg dosage to older patients age 65 and over.

  • I'm taking AMBIEN CR and am worried about experiencing behaviors related to sleepwalking. Should I stop taking AMBIEN CR?

    • I'm taking AMBIEN CR and am worried about experiencing behaviors related to sleepwalking. Should I stop taking
      AMBIEN CR?

      There have been rare occurrences of sleepwalking, sleep-related eating and sleep driving in people who may also be taking AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR or other sedative hypnotic medications. However, while sleepwalking may occur during treatment with AMBIEN CR, it may not be the cause. If you experience events such as sleepwalking during treatment with AMBIEN CR, contact your healthcare professional.

  • Taking or thinking about taking AMBIEN CR?

    • Taking or thinking about taking
      AMBIEN CR?

      Sleep medication can play an important role in helping to manage insomnia. You should consult your healthcare professional if you are considering any changes in medication.

  • Where can I find more information about AMBIEN and
    AMBIEN CR?

*Proven effective for up to 7 hours in clinical studies.

† Individual results may vary.

pagedivide

† Maximum benefit is $20 off, on up to 5 prescriptions, depending on your out-of-pocket costs. Not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, government (public insurance) programs, or any private payor in the state of Massachusetts and where prohibited by law.
‡ See terms and conditions on offer material.

AMBIEN CR is indicated to help you fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

AMBIEN is indicated for short-term treatment to help you fall asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR are treatment options you and your doctor can consider along with lifestyle changes. When taking either of them, don’t drive or operate machinery. Plan to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with memory loss for the event, as well as abnormal behaviors such as being more outgoing or aggressive than normal, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations may occur. Don’t take it with alcohol as it may increase these behaviors. In patients with depression, worsening of depression, including risk of suicide may occur. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your doctor immediately. Allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, swelling of your tongue or throat, may occur and in rare cases may be fatal. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects of AMBIEN CR may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness and headache. There is a low occurrence of side effects associated with the short-term use of AMBIEN. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea. AMBIEN is taken for 7 to 10 days –or longer as advised by your provider. AMBIEN CR can be taken as long as your doctor recommends. AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR have some risk of dependency. They are non-narcotic.

Please refer to the AMBIEN CR full prescribing information and medication guide.
Please refer to the AMBIEN full prescribing information and medication guide.

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