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Skip Navigation LinksUsing AMBIEN CR - Getting AMBIEN CRPrescription Q&As

Prescription Q&As

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Knowing the differences between AMBIEN® (zolpidem tartrate) CIV (or generic AMBIEN) and AMBIEN CR will help you determine which one is right for you. And once you and your healthcare professional have made that decision, it's important that you receive the right one.

Take a look through these common questions and answers that address the differences between both forms of AMBIEN, and give you tips on how to make sure you get AMBIEN CR as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Q: Are there significant differences between generic AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?
Q: How can I make sure that I get AMBIEN CR as prescribed by my healthcare professional?
Q: I just realized that my prescription was filled with generic AMBIEN not AMBIEN CR. Is there anything I can do?
Q: Why is my insurance plan only willing to pay for generic AMBIEN and not AMBIEN CR?
Q: Is there anything that can help me pay for my AMBIEN CR prescription?

Are there significant differences between the generic AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?

Answer: Yes. Knowing the differences between AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR will help you determine which prescription is right for you.

AMBIEN (or generic AMBIEN) is approved to help you fall asleep, and is recommended for short-term use.
AMBIEN CR is different. AMBIEN CR is the only form of AMBIEN that is FDA-approved to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.* And it can be taken for as long as your healthcare professional recommends.

AMBIEN has one layer to help you fall asleep. AMBIEN CR has two layers with a controlled-release formula. 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.**

*Proven effective for up to 7 hours in clinical studies.
**Individual results may vary.

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How can I make sure that I get AMBIEN CR as prescribed by my healthcare professional?

Answer: Insurers have been trying to reduce costs by insisting on cheaper alternatives to prescribed medicines. Make sure that you're receiving the right form of AMBIEN by asking your pharmacist these four questions:

  • Am I getting the exact formulation of AMBIEN CR that was prescribed?

    Keep in mind that AMBIEN CR works differently from generic AMBIEN. And only your healthcare professional can determine which kind of AMBIEN is best for your needs, so it's important that you ask your pharmacist for exactly what was prescribed.
  • If not, why have you changed my prescription?

    If your prescription has been switched, make sure you understand how and why the decision was made to make a change.
  • How will this change affect my health?

    Generic AMBIEN is different from AMBIEN CR and a switch means that you aren't getting the medication that your healthcare professional determined was right for you. If you are unsatisfied with the generic form of AMBIEN, please go back to your healthcare professional and inform him or her.
  • Have you notified my healthcare professional that my prescription has been changed?

    Your state may require pharmacists to consult with your healthcare professional before they can switch a medication. Make sure you know your rights and insist they be honored.

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I just realized that my prescription was filled with generic AMBIEN not AMBIEN CR. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: If you are unsatisfied with the generic form of AMBIEN, please go back to your healthcare professional and inform him or her. If you did not receive your prescription for AMBIEN CR and would like to get the prescription your healthcare professional prescribed, you have a few options:

1. Call your healthcare professional to request AMBIEN CR. They may need to submit a "Prior Authorization" form to your insurance company. Many health plans require that you get "Prior Authorization" from your healthcare professional for some prescription medications before they will cover it. Prior to getting your prescription filled, have your healthcare professional sign and fax a "Prior Authorization" form to your insurance company.

Once you receive prior authorization (which generally occurs 95% of the time), contact your pharmacy to fill your prescription for AMBIEN CR, as approved by your plan.

2. You may be required to try generic AMBIEN first. Different insurance companies have different policies. Generally, you first need to fill your prescription for generic AMBIEN, and can then get AMBIEN CR by requesting it from your healthcare professional. This process is called a "step edit."

3. If your insurance company refuses to cover AMBIEN CR, you can pay for it, and we can help with the cost. AMBIEN CR can save you up to $100† on five refills of AMBIEN CR. Print your savings certificates here.

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Why is my insurance plan only willing to pay for generic AMBIEN and not AMBIEN CR?

Answer: Primarily, insurance companies want you to try a generic medication first, because they usually cost less. Typically pharmacists will follow these guidelines.

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Is there anything that can help me pay for my AMBIEN CR prescription?

Answer: Yes. When you take advantage of our coupon offer, you can save up to $100† on your next five AMBIEN CR refills. Print your savings certificates here.

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† 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.
‡ See terms and conditions on offer material.

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

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR are treatment options you and your doctor can consider along with lifestyle changes. When taking either of them, don’t drive or operate machinery. Plan to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active. Sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake, with memory loss for the event, as well as abnormal behaviors such as being more outgoing or aggressive than normal, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations may occur. Don’t take it with alcohol as it may increase these behaviors. In patients with depression, worsening of depression, including risk of suicide may occur. If you experience any of these behaviors contact your doctor immediately. Allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, swelling of your tongue or throat, may occur and in rare cases may be fatal. If you have an allergic reaction while using AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR, contact your doctor immediately. Side effects of AMBIEN CR may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness and headache. 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, dizziness, and diarrhea. AMBIEN is taken for 7 to 10 days –or longer as advised by your provider. AMBIEN CR can be taken as long as your doctor recommends. AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR have some risk of dependency. They are non-narcotic.

Please refer to the AMBIEN CR full prescribing information and medication guide.
Please refer to the AMBIEN full prescribing information and medication guide.

Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting.

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