How To Take This Medication:
Take Ambien exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.  Take each dose with a full glass of water.   Take Ambien just before you go to bed. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose too long before you are ready for sleep.  Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Do not stop taking Ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Ambien. 

Side Effects:
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ambien and seek emergency medical attention: · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or · hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion. • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience · headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; · nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; · depression; · muscle aches or pains; · vivid or abnormal dreams; or · amnesia (memory loss) after a dose. • Ambien is habit forming. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication. • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Precautions:
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Ambien will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Ambien should be taken just before bedtime, but you may experience some carryover effects the next day. • Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking Ambien, which could be dangerous. • Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are taking Ambien unless your doctor directs otherwise

Drug Interactions:
Zolpidem may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with zolpidem. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

If You Take Too Much:
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an Ambien overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness.

Missed Dosage:
Since Ambien is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose only if you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effects from Ambien after you wake up.

Storage:
Store Ambien at room temperature away from moisture and heat.