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AMBIEN CR (Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release) Sleep Aid
 
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Importance of Sleep

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Sleep. You need it to live.

Just as a healthy diet and regular exercise are necessary and important for good health, so is sleep.

Sleep deprivation can affect your overall health both mentally and physically. Although scientists are still trying to fully understand why we need sleep, it not only appears necessary for our nervous systems to function, but sleep is necessary for our very survival.

Good sleep can help you fight disease, concentrate on work and allow you to feel ready to start your day.

Sleeping does more than keep your mind clear, it also has an impact on your immune system. In fact, studies have shown that long-term sleep deprivation increases your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Sleep-related problems can also play a role in stroke, asthma, epilepsy and seizures.

How much sleep do you need?

There's more to a good night's sleep than just falling asleep. Staying asleep is also important. The amount of sleep each person needs depends on many factors, including age:

  • Infants: approximately 16 hours per 24-hour period
  • Teenagers: about 9 hours per 24-hour period
  • Most adults: 7 to 8 hours per 24-hour period

These are average figures. Some people may need only 5 hours and some may need as many as 10 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Pregnant women, especially in the early months, need more sleep than usual. As people get older, they may sleep more lightly and for shorter times, but generally need the same amount of sleep they needed in early adulthood.

How do you know if you are not getting enough sleep?

Experts say that if you feel drowsy during the day, even during boring activities, you haven't had enough sleep. You may have sleep deprivation or even a sleep disorder if you fall asleep within five minutes of lying down. You could have sleeping issues if you are experiencing very brief episodes of sleep called microsleeps.

If you have a sleep disorder or think you may be suffering from sleep deprivation, there is help available. The first step is to talk with your doctor about the best treatment for you. Before you do, you may want some help preparing to talk with your doctor and some help preparing for questions your doctor may ask you.

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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.


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