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Skip Navigation LinksWhat is AMBIEN CR?The AMBIEN CR Difference

The AMBIEN CR Difference

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What makes AMBIEN CR different could make a difference in how well you sleep.

If you use a prescription sleep aid, a generic prescription sleep aid, an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid, the older form of AMBIEN, or nothing at all, here are some things you should know about AMBIEN CR.

  • AMBIEN CR is in the class of sleep medicines on the market today, known as non-benzodiazepines.
  • AMBIEN CR has a unique, 2-layer controlled-release formula.
  • AMBIEN CR helps you get to sleep fast and stay asleep.*
  • AMBIEN CR is different from AMBIEN (AMBIEN IR) and zolpidem tartrate — it helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • AMBIEN CR is non-narcotic and may work the first night of use.

Other Facts About AMBIEN CR.

Do you use a prescription (Rx) sleep aid other than AMBIEN CR?

Your sleep aid does not have a 2-layer, controlled-release formula. This means your medication may help you fall asleep, but may not necessarily help you stay asleep like AMBIEN CR could. Plus, AMBIEN CR usually doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth like some other sleep aids and can be taken for as long as your doctor recommends. Talk to your doctor about switching to AMBIEN CR.

Do you use the older form of AMBIEN or a generic formulation?

AMBIEN® (zolpidem tartrate) CIV has been in the marketplace for over 17 years. It is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia and is approved to help people fall asleep. AMBIEN CR is different and the latest, more advanced formulation.
AMBIEN CR is the first and only extended-release prescription sleep medication formulated to help people fall asleep fast and stay asleep, so they can wake up and concentrate on the day ahead.

AMBIEN or the generic form of AMBIEN may be easier to get through your insurance plan because they are less expensive than AMBIEN CR, but regular AMBIEN and the generic form of AMBIEN, "zolpidem tartrate," aren't the same as AMBIEN CR. They do not have the controlled-release formula to help you get to sleep fast and stay asleep.*

Do you take over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids?

Over-the-counter sleep aids may only help you fall asleep, not stay asleep. And they may leave you groggy in the morning. Plus, they often contain ingredients like pain relievers and antihistamines not designed for sleep, that you may not want or need. One pain reliever, acetaminophen, may cause liver damage and another, ibuprofen may cause stomach bleeding. It may be a good idea to visit your doctor and ask whether AMBIEN CR might be a better solution for your trouble sleeping.

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

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† Maximum benefit is $240 off, up to $20 off each prescription (up to 12 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.

Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting.

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