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Skip Navigation LinksUsing AMBIEN CRHow AMBIEN CR Works

How AMBIEN CR Works

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AMBIEN CR is different from other sleep aids.

It is the only 2-layer sleep-aid tablet. No other sleep medicine works like it:

  • The first layer dissolves quickly to help you get to sleep fast
  • The second layer dissolves slowly, to help you stay asleep*

It works in a new and different way to control a chemical in our brains so you can wake up and concentrate on the day ahead.

AMBIEN CR, as with other sleep aids called nonbenzodiazepines, works by binding to a specific brain chemical receptor known as the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, which can be found in regions of the brain that control sleep. The binding of AMBIEN CR to these specific GABA receptors helps to promote the initiation and maintenance of sleep.

If you have additional questions about AMBIEN CR please refer to our FAQ section.

*Proven effective for up to 7 hours in clinical studies.

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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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