Sleep Agents - Ambien

Another popular medication for the insomniacs would be Ambien or Ambien CR. Ambien comes in tablet form, and one of these tablet forms (Ambien CR) is extended release. The pink tablets of regular Ambien (Zolpidem) are five milligrams in strength, and the white tablets are ten milligrams in strength. For the extended release Ambien CR, the pinkish orange tablets are 6.25 milligrams and the blue Ambien CR tablets are 12.5 milligrams in strength. Ambien and Ambien CR are used for the short term treatment of insomnia. Doctors recommend that you take one tablet as soon as you lay down in bed. As for the elderly, and initial Ambien tablet that is five milligrams in strength, or am Ambien CR that is 6.25 milligrams in strength is recommended. Sometimes your doctor might decrease the dosage per day, because Ambien and Ambien CR are CNS-depressant, and their effects have been known to potentially cause additive effects. The main ingredient in Ambien and Ambien CR, Zolpidem, reacts with certain receptors of the brain and acts like the natural chemicals that the body produces which encourage sleep.

Ambien CR is made in a two layer tablet which releases the drug immediately upon bedtime, and then three hours after you have taken the first dose to continue producing the sleep effect in your body. If you are using any other medicines that are depressants of the CNS, then the effects of Ambien and Ambien CR may be increased, so let your doctor know if you are taking any other CNS depressants before taking Ambien or Ambien CR. If you are a patient who has any allergy to any ingredient in Ambien or Ambien CR, especially Zolpidem, then Ambien and Ambien CR may not be for you. If you are an elderly patient, or even a debilitated one, or a patient who has diseases that could affect your metabolism, such as issues with your thyroid, use Ambien and Ambien CR with caution. Use special care if you're using Ambien or Ambien CR and you're also a person who is prone to severe depression. Ambien and Ambien CR, like all other drugs, do have adverse effects on the body.

In short term usage, many patients have reported headaches, drowsiness, and nausea. For long term usage, Ambien and Ambien CR may cause dry mouth, back pain, allergy, flu-like symptoms, heart palpitations, laziness, dizziness, a feeling as if you're drugged, stomach upset, depression, abdominal pain, diarrhea, myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (joint pain), constipation, sinuses, upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis (sore throat), rash, and urinary tract infections. Remember that Ambien CR should be swallowed completely whole, and never chewed, crushed, or divided. If any of the above side effects are specially bothersome or severe, contact your doctor. Since Ambien and Ambien CR cause effects such as drowsiness, do not operate any kind of machinery that involved full alertness, such as an automobile. Do not drink alcohol while drinking Ambien or Ambien CR. Store your medication in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. Sunlight may lessen the potency of Ambien or Ambien CR. And keep in mind that Ambien or Ambien CR can become habit-forming. Do not discontinue the use of your medication unless your doctor has talked to you regarding this, but do not overdose on it either, and if you feel that you are suffering from addiction to Ambien or Ambien CR, let your doctor know immediately. (Source from AC)