Zolpidem
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medicine, also sometimes called a ‘Z drug’.
- Stilnoct "STIL-nokt"
What can it be used for?
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If you are 18 or over, the doctor can prescribe zolpidem for you as a licensed medicine if you have difficulty getting to sleep
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If you are under 18, there is less research about its use and effectiveness in young people. Even so, specialists might prescribe it ‘off label’ if it is the best medicine for you.
Ways to take and what's in it?
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5mg and 10mg strengths are available
If you have taken more zolpidem than it said on the label, you must see a doctor quickly - even if you do not feel any different.
Zolpidem can cause serious side-effects: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, itching skin lumps), and other serious symptoms that you can find here. Go to a hospital if you get any of these symptoms, with your medicine.
Stopping zolpidem suddenly can cause withdrawl symptoms - go to your doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.
You might feel sleepy or confused in the first few days after taking zolpidem - do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machines until you see how this affects you.
If you take zolpidem while you are pregnant, it may affect the developing baby. Use good contraception while you are taking zolpidem. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies if you take it at the end of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or midwife about this and get their help.