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Zolpidem is a drug that belongs to a group of drugs known as imidazopyridines, which is usually indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
Treatment with Zolpidem should not last long, as there is a risk of dependence and tolerance if used for a long time.
The use of this medication should only be done with the prescription of a doctor, who should indicate the dose and duration of treatment.
What is it for
Zolpidem is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
How to take it
As this remedy works very fast, in less than 20 minutes, it should be taken immediately before going to bed or in bed and only 1 dose, it is not recommended to administer more than one dose in the same night.
Generally, the recommended dose is 1 tablet a day, for 2 to 5 days in cases of occasional insomnia and 1 tablet a day for 2 to 3 weeks in the case of transient insomnia, not exceeding the dose of 10 mg per 24h.
For people over 65 years of age, with liver failure or who are debilitated, it is recommended to take only half a tablet, which is equivalent to 5 mg per day.
Due to the risk of causing dependence and tolerance, this medication should not be used for more than 4 weeks, and the recommended average for its use is a maximum of 2 weeks.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of zolpidem are agitation, nightmares, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, exacerbated insomnia, anterograde amnesia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, back pain, lower and upper respiratory tract infection and tiredness.
Furthermore, there are also reports of people experiencing hallucinations while using zolpidem, as well as sleepwalking and sleep behaviors such as walking, driving, and participating in activities that one does not agree with. Whenever these types of behavior are observed, it is very important to stop using the medication and inform the doctor.
To reduce the risk of side effects, it is very important to take only the dose indicated by the doctor and avoid the use of other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines or other sedative hypnotic drugs, as they can cause sedation, decrease the breathing, coma and death.
Who should not use
Zolpidem should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any component present in the formula.
In addition, it is also contraindicated for people with myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, depression or who have respiratory failure or liver failure. It should also not be used in children under 18 years of age, in people with a history of drug or alcohol dependence, and should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important to avoid driving or performing activities that require attention when using zolpidem.
