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Getting a good night's sleep may start with getting AMBIEN CR.

If you're having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, AMBIEN CR may be right for you. The first step you need to take is to talk to your doctor. And before you go to your appointment, you may want to take advantage of our 7-night free trial offer. Simply register, print your trial certificate and then bring it to your doctor to see if AMBIEN CR is right for you.

Did you know there is no generic form of AMBIEN CR?

If you've already talked to your doctor and have received a prescription for AMBIEN CR, there are some important things you should know. AMBIEN CR is the only 2-layer sleep aid that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep, and there is no generic substitute.

Your insurance company or your pharmacist may want you to try a generic form of AMBIEN first—and not AMBIEN CR. If this is the case and you're having trouble getting your AMBIEN CR prescription filled, it's important to know that there are still ways to obtain it.

Generic AMBIEN (zolpidem tartrate) CIV tablets vs. AMBIEN CR

FDA-approved AMBIEN ( zolpidem tartrate or generic AMBIEN) has one layer to help you fall asleep, and is approved for short-term use. AMBIEN CR has two layers. The first layer dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep fast, while the second dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep, so you can wake up ready for your day.* AMBIEN CR can also be taken for as long as your healthcare provider recommends.

If getting sleep is becoming a problem, getting the right prescription shouldn't be.

The following information should help you get AMBIEN CR, as prescribed by your doctor:

  • You may need your doctor to submit a "Prior Authorization" form to your insurance company. Once you receive prior authorization, contact your pharmacy to fill your prescription for AMBIEN CR.
  • You may be required to try generic AMBIEN first. Primarily, insurance companies want you to try a generic medication first, because it usually costs less. However, generic AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR work differently. Generally, you first need to fill your prescription for generic AMBIEN, and can then get AMBIEN CR by requesting it from your doctor.
  • Some insurance companies will not cover AMBIEN CR at all, but CR Extras can help you with the cost. CR Extras is an exclusive program that can save you up to $100 on five refills of AMBIEN CR.

Read some popular Q&As that address the differences between AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR, and tips on how to make sure you get what was prescribed by your doctor.

Next: Common Questions & Answers about Prescriptions Next
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* Individual results may vary.

Maximum benefit is $20 off, on up to 5 prescriptions, depending on your out-of-pocket costs. Not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, government (public insurance) programs, or any private payor in the state of Massachusetts and where prohibited by law.

AMBIEN CR is indicated to help you fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AMBIEN CR is a treatment option you and your healthcare provider can consider along with lifestyle changes and can be taken for as long as your provider recommends. Until you know how AMBIEN CR will affect you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. It's non-narcotic; however, like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency. Don't take it with alcohol.

Please refer to the full prescribing information and medication guide.

AMBIEN is indicated for short-term treatment, to help you fall asleep.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

When you first start taking AMBIEN, use caution in the morning when engaging in activities requiring complete alertness until you know how you will react to this medication. In most instances, memory problems can be avoided if you take AMBIEN only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again. As with any sleep medication, do not use alcohol while you are taking AMBIEN.

Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, have been reported. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your provider immediately. In rare cases, sleep medicines may cause allergic reactions such as swelling of your tongue or throat, shortness of breath or more severe results. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN, contact your doctor immediately.

Prescription sleep aids are often taken for 7 to 10 days – or longer as advised by your provider. Like most sleep medicines, it has some risk of dependency.

There is a low occurrence of side effects associated with the short-term use of AMBIEN. The most commonly observed side effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness (2%), dizziness (1%), and diarrhea (1%).

Please refer to the full prescribing information and medication guide.