What you need to know about Zolpidem Tablets

Do you also have a problem with not being able to sleep at night? Do you sometimes toss and turn for hours after going to bed? This is actually a common problem for many people. So, at times like this, a doctor can prescribe a medicine that will help you fall asleep quickly. Zolpidem is one such medicine. But if you are using this medicine, it is very important to be aware of it. Let's talk about Zolpidem today.

Simply put, what is Zolpidem?

Zolpidem is a medication used to treat insomnia . Specifically, it helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. But the most important thing to remember is that doctors usually prescribe this medication for short-term use only. It is not a medication that is recommended for continuous use for weeks or months.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before giving you Zolpidem, your doctor will need to know your medical history. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor .

How exactly should I use this medicine?

This is the most important part. Follow these instructions to get the full benefit of the medicine and avoid any risks.

• Drink with a glass of water: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• When to take: This should be taken right before going to bed . Do not take this during the day or while doing other things.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach: If you take this medicine immediately after eating, its effectiveness may be slightly reduced.
• Don't take more than your doctor tells you to: Don't go and take another pill just because you can't sleep. Take only the prescribed dose.
• Don't stop suddenly:If you stop taking this medication suddenly after taking it for several weeks, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, if you stop taking the medication, do so under the guidance of your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.

Things to be most careful about when taking medicine

You need to be a little more careful about your behavior and body while taking this medicine.

Unusual Sleep Behaviors

This is the most serious warning about Zolpidem. After taking this medication, some people wake up from their sleep without realizing it and do various things. For example:

• Sleep-driving
• Wake up, prepare food, and eat.
• Making phone calls in your sleep
• Sleepwalking

The scariest thing is that they don't remember anything they did the next morning . If you find out that something like this has happened to you, stop taking the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.

Drowsiness that persists into the next day

After taking this medicine, make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of full sleep . Otherwise, do not take this medicine if you have to get up in a few hours. Because, even if you feel fully awake the next morning, your mental alertness may decrease. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery for 8 hours after taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medication, Zolpidem can cause side effects. Some are common, but some require immediate attention.

How to store medicine safely?

Because this medication has the potential to be addictive, it is very important to keep it safe.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Lock it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
• If you are disposing of unused, leftover pills, crush them up, mix them with something like coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a sealable bag or container, and throw them in the trash.