Zolpidem
NHS information about the medicine zolpidem, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What zolpidem is for
Zolpidem is a short-term treatment for sleeping problems (insomnia).
A doctor may prescribe zolpidem if you have problems with falling asleep, waking up during the night or waking up too early and it's affecting your everyday life.
Zolpidem is a type of sleeping pill that's sometimes known as a hypnotic, or Z-drug.
How to take Zolpidem
Zolpidem usually comes as tablets that you swallow whole with a drink of water. There's also a type of tablet that you take by dissolving it in your mouth (orodispersible).
You take zolpidem once a day, just before going to bed. It takes around 30 to 60 minutes to start working.
Zolpidem treatment usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. It's not usually prescribed for longer than 4 weeks because your body can become used to it and it stops working as well (this is known as tolerance).
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
If you miss a dose of zolpidem
If you forget to take a dose of zolpidem, you will have to wait until your next bedtime to take your next dose.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you take too much zolpidem
Taking an extra dose of zolpidem can be dangerous.
Side effects of zolpidem
Like all medicines, zolpidem can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of zolpidem include:
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick (nausea)
- stomach pain
- headache
- tiredness
- dizziness
Do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery for 8 hours after taking zolpidem. If you feel sleepy, dazed or less alert, wait until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of zolpidem.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take zolpidem
Most adults can take zolpidem.
But zolpidem is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had a serious side effect or allergic reaction to zolpidem or another hypnotic medicine (Z-drug)
- you have a lung or liver problem
- you stop breathing for short periods during your sleep (sleep apnoea)
- you have a muscle weakness, or a condition called myasthenia gravis
- you have a mental health condition
- you have been addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicine before
Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and zolpidem
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
You can usually use zolpidem for a short time while breastfeeding, but your doctor may want to check your baby does not get side effects such as drowsiness while you’re taking it.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby or call NHS 111.
Do not sleep in the same bed (co-sleep) with your baby if you've taken zopiclone or any other medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Pregnancy and zolpidem
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant while taking zolpidem.
Zolpidem is sometimes used during pregnancy. It may be prescribed for a short time if your sleeping problems are severe and other treatments have not worked.
If needed, your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while pregnant.
Taking zolpidem with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with zolpidem.
These include:
- other medicines for sleep or anxiety problems, including other hypnotic medicines
- some antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine) and other medicines for mental health problems called antipsychotics
- medicines for hay fever, rashes or other allergies that can make you feel sleepy (drowsy or sedating antihistamines), such as chlorphenamine or promethazine
- opioid painkillers (such as codeine or morphine)
- medicines for epilepsy
Before taking zolpidem, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with zolpidem
Do not drink alcohol while taking zolpidem. Alcohol can increase the effects of the medicine, which can cause breathing problems and make it very difficult to wake up.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or a doctor for advice
