This is a summary of the most important information about zolpidem tartrate. For details, talk to your healthcare professional.

What Is Zolpidem Tartrate?

This medicine is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking sodium oxybate. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking certain HIV medicines (such as ritonavir). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, liver problems, mood or mental problems (such as depression), breathing problems, history of alcohol or substance abuse, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WORKS VERY QUICKLY; take this medicine right before going to bed. Use it only when you will be able to sleep 7 to 8 hours or longer.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.

This medicine may cause dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR if you continue to have trouble sleeping or notice changes in your behavior or thinking. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines for sleep. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS do not improve within 7 to 10 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. YOU MAY EXPERIENCE trouble sleeping for 1 to 2 nights after you stop taking this medicine. If it continues, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

What Are The Risks?

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include daytime drowsiness, dizziness, headache, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience mood or mental changes, memory problems, behavior changes, back pain, vision changes, or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.