Safe Use of AMBIEN CR and Other
Sleep Aid Medications

This information will help you:

• Use AMBIEN CR safely and effectively and reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects.
• Determine when to consult with your doctor about side effects.

To ensure the safe and effective use of AMBIEN CR or any other sleep medicine, you should observe the following cautions:

1. AMBIEN CR is a prescription medicine and should be used ONLY as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to take, when to take, and how long to take AMBIEN CR. AMBIEN CR tablets should not be divided, crushed, or chewed, and must be swallowed whole.
2. Never use AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine for longer than directed by your doctor.
3. If you notice any unusual and/or disturbing thoughts or behavior during treatment with AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine, contact your doctor.
4. Tell your doctor about any medicines you may be taking, including medicines you may buy without a prescription. You should also tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. DO NOT use alcohol while taking AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine.
5. Do not take AMBIEN CR unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. For example, AMBIEN CR should not be taken on an overnight airplane flight of less than 7 to 8 hours since "traveler's amnesia" may occur.
6. Do not increase the prescribed dose of AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine unless instructed by your doctor.
7. When you first start taking AMBIEN CR or any other sleep medicine, until you know whether the medicine will still have some carryover effect in you the next day, use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness, such as driving a car, operating machinery, or piloting an aircraft.
8. Be aware that you may have more sleeping problems the first night after you stop taking AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine.
9. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you are planning to become pregnant, or if you become pregnant while taking AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine.
10. As with all prescription medicines, never share AMBIEN CR or any other sleep medicine with anyone else. Always store AMBIEN CR or any other sleep aid medicine in the original container that you received it in and store it out of reach of children.
11. AMBIEN CR works very quickly. You should only take AMBIEN CR right before going to bed and are ready to go to sleep.

When to Consult with Your Doctor

You may experience a few side effects while taking your sleep aid medicine. Some may go away once your body adjusts to the medicine. Check with your doctor if any side effect becomes worrisome or problematic.

For more information on the proper way to take AMBIEN CR, see additional important information.