Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night’s sleep (7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off. The maximum dosage of Ambien CR for females is typically 12.5 mg taken daily just before bedtime.

1. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
2. Take zolpidem sublingual tablets (Intermezzo) only when you are already in bed and can remain in bed for at least 4 more hours.
3. It’s also available in 6.25-mg and 12.5-mg extended-release oral tablets, called Ambien CR.

This means that Ambien’s effects are more likely to last longer in women. Plasma levels of zolpidem can be up to 50 percent higher in women. Even though Ambien is not as habit-forming as benzodiazepines, it is still addictive. Ambien is also a lot shorter-acting than most benzodiazepines, although some side effects may stick around.

Zolpidem crosses the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and sedation in neonates. Monitor neonates exposed to AMBIEN during pregnancy and labor for signs of excess sedation, hypotonia, and respiratory depression and manage accordingly. Some compounds known to induce or inhibit CYP3A may affect exposure to zolpidem. The effect of drugs that induce or inhibit other P450 enzymes on the exposure to zolpidem is not known. Because AMBIEN can cause drowsiness and a decreased level of consciousness, patients, particularly the elderly, are at higher risk of falls.

How should I take Ambien?

If you are ready to quit taking Ambien, talking with your prescribing doctor is the best place to start. Your doctor can advise you about the best way to quit and help you develop a plan to deal with any potential withdrawal symptoms. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately.

Ambien and Ambien CR and overdose

A 12.5-mg dose is the highest dose of Ambien CR per day that’s typically recommended. The recommended starting dosage of Ambien CR for females is 6.25 mg once daily. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.

Limited data from published literature report the presence of zolpidem in human milk. There are reports of excess sedation in infants exposed to zolpidem through breastmilk [see Clinical Considerations]. There is no information on the effects of zolpidem alcohol brain fog how to heal your brain on milk production. After multiple doses of zolpidem tartrate and fluoxetine an increase in the zolpidem half-life (17%) was observed. There was no evidence of an additive effect in psychomotor performance [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Some other substances that can interact with these drugs are detailed in the Healthline articles on eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zolpidem (Ambien). To help prevent unconscious activity, don’t take a sleeping pill if you have less than eight full hours available for sleep. For example, Ambien is available in 5-mg and 10-mg immediate-release oral tablets. It’s also available in 6.25-mg and 12.5-mg extended-release oral tablets, called Ambien CR. If insomnia routinely keeps you from getting restful sleep, you should see your doctor.

But in females with liver problems, or those ages 65 years and older, the maximum dosage is 6.25 mg once daily. The lowest starting dosage of Ambien CR is 6.25 mg once daily just before bedtime. And the maximum dosage is 12.5 mg taken just before bedtime. If you have liver problems, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dosage of Ambien for you. This is because liver problems may make it harder for your liver to remove Ambien from your body. And having more Ambien in your system can increase your risk of side effects from the drug.

If your doctor recommends Ambien or Ambien CR for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. People who’ve misused drugs or alcohol may have a higher risk of misusing or becoming addicted to Ambien or Ambien CR. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Remember, you should not change your dosage of Ambien without your doctor’s recommendation. Talk with your doctor if you have barbiturates: definition types uses side effects and abuse questions or concerns about your current dosage. The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Ambien for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.