Hello and welcome to "VideoScript", presented by Drugs.com. Today in the second of three presentations, we continue reviewing zolpidem, a prescription medication used short-term to help with insomnia, or difficulty in falling or staying asleep. We will briefly look at issues related to dosing and common side effects. Zolpidem is typically only used for 7 to 10 days to help with insomnia. If you are still having problems with sleeping after this period of time, contact your health care provider. Zolpidem comes in a 5 and 10 mg regular release strength and in 6.25 and 12.5 mg extended-release strengths. The usual dose of zolpidem is one tablet of either the 10 mg immediate-release or 12. mg extended-release strength immediately before bedtime. Zolpidem should NOT be taken with or right after a meal as it may delay absorption. Older patients, and patients that are debilitated or that have impaired liver function may need to take the lower strengths of zolpidem at bedtime. Lower doses may also be needed if the patient takes other medications that affect the central nervous system. Patients should not drink alcohol or use other medications that cause drowsiness when using zolpidem due to these additive CNS depressant effects. If you are using the extended-release tablets, it is important not to cut your tablets in half or crush them. If you do this, it may make the medication release too quickly and could be dangerous. If you need a lower strength, your doctor can prescribe it. Drowsiness and sleep are the intended effects of zolpidem, but there are other common side effects that may occur with this medication, as well. The most common side effects reported with zolpidem include headache, dizziness, and diarrhea. Next-day drowsiness is also a common effect. It is important that patients know how zolpidem may affect them before they engage in next-day activities that require concentration or coordination. A medication guide accompanies each zolpidem refill. You can review the guide to get a better understanding of the uses, doses, side effects, and warnings with zolpidem. Thank you for joining us at Drugs.com for a brief review of Ambien and Ambien CR, known generically as zolpidem. Please refer to our patient and professional information, drug interaction checker, and additional tools on Drugs.com. Patients with a concern about the use of zolpidem should consult with their health care provider. Visit Drugs.com/zolpidem for more information