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What makes AMBIEN CR different could make a difference in how well you sleep.

If you use a prescription sleep aid, a generic prescription sleep aid, an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid, the older form of AMBIEN, or nothing at all, here are some things you should know about AMBIEN CR.

  • AMBIEN CR is in the class of sleep medicines on the market today, known as non-benzodiazepines.
  • AMBIEN CR has a unique, 2-layer controlled-release formula.
  • AMBIEN CR helps you get to sleep fast and stay asleep.*
  • AMBIEN CR is different from AMBIEN (AMBIEN IR) and zolpidem tartrate — it helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • AMBIEN CR is non-narcotic and may work the first night of use.

Other Facts About AMBIEN CR.

Do you use a prescription (Rx) sleep aid other than AMBIEN CR?

Your sleep aid does not have a 2-layer, controlled-release formula. This means your medication may help you fall asleep, but may not necessarily help you stay asleep like AMBIEN CR could. Plus, AMBIEN CR usually doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth like some other sleep aids and can be taken for as long as your doctor recommends. Talk to your doctor about switching to AMBIEN CR.

Do you use the older form of AMBIEN or a generic formulation?

AMBIEN® (zolpidem tartrate) CIV has been in the marketplace for over 17 years. It is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia and is approved to help people fall asleep. AMBIEN CR is different and the latest, more advanced formulation.
AMBIEN CR is the first and only extended-release prescription sleep medication formulated to help people fall asleep fast and stay asleep, so they can wake up and concentrate on the day ahead.

AMBIEN or the generic form of AMBIEN may be easier to get through your insurance plan because they are less expensive than AMBIEN CR, but regular AMBIEN and the generic form of AMBIEN, "zolpidem tartrate," aren't the same as AMBIEN CR. They do not have the controlled-release formula to help you get to sleep fast and stay asleep.*

Do you take over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids?

Over-the-counter sleep aids may only help you fall asleep, not stay asleep. And they may leave you groggy in the morning. Plus, they often contain ingredients like pain relievers and antihistamines not designed for sleep, that you may not want or need. One pain reliever, acetaminophen, may cause liver damage and another, ibuprofen may cause stomach bleeding. It may be a good idea to visit your doctor and ask whether AMBIEN CR might be a better solution for your trouble sleeping.

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

Next: Sleep Aid Myths & Facts Next
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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.

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.