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Ambien
Ambien is used for:
Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble falling asleep).
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic, or sleep medicine. It works by helping to increase certain natural chemicals in the brain that cause sleep.
Before using Ambien:
Some medical conditions may interact with Ambien . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
* if you have kidney or liver problems, lung or breathing problems (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], sleep apnea), myasthenia gravis, metabolism problems, heart or blood pressure problems, or very poor health
* if you have a history of mood or mental problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or alcohol or substance abuse or addiction
* if you are a child or teenager with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ambien . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
* Ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), or sodium oxybate ( GHB) because they may increase the risk of Ambien 's side effects
* Rifampin because it may decrease Ambien 's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ambien may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Ambien:
Use Ambien as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
* Ambien comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Ambien refilled.
* Take Ambien by mouth on an empty stomach at least 2 hours after a meal.
* Ambien works very quickly; use Ambien right before going to sleep.
* Use Ambien only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours).
* If you miss a dose of Ambien , skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once and do not take more than your total daily dose in any 24-hour period.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ambien .
Side effects of Ambien:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness (including daytime drowsiness); "drugged" feeling; dry mouth; headache; nausea; nose or throat irritation; sluggishness; stomach upset.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the hands, legs, mouth, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); abnormal thinking; behavior changes; chest pain; confusion; decreased coordination; difficulty swallowing or breathing; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory problems (eg, memory loss); mental or mood changes (eg, aggression, agitation, anxiety, depression); severe dizziness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; vision changes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Copyright ©2009 Ambien Pharmaceutical Inc
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