Ambien is in a class of drugs called sedative/hypnotics
or sleep medications. Ambien affects chemicals
in your brain that may affect sleep.
Drug Class And Mechanism Ambien belongs to a
class of medicines that effects the central nervous system, called
sedative hypnotics. Ambien is intimately related to a family of
drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs cause sedation, muscle
relaxation, act as anti-convulsants , and have anti-anxiety properties.
Hence, it is used as a medication for sleep.
Why this medication is prescribed?
Ambien is used to treat insomnia (difficulty
falling asleep or staying asleep). Ambien belongs
to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics. It works
by slowing movement in the brain.This medication may be prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor for more information
Dosing
Ambien must be taken without food at bedtime
to induce a quick inception of sleep. Ambien
is metabolized by the liver and dosages need to be decreased in
patients with liver dysfunction (hepatitis). Lower doses should
be used in the aged because of their decreased capability to metabolize
the medication.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Ambien are drowsiness,
dizziness, loss of coordination, upset stomach, vomiting, constipation,
shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control, unusual
dreams, cold symptoms, and a "drugged" feeling that
possibly reflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include
confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and
visual changes.
Some side effects can be crucial. If you experience any of the
following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rash, hives,
itching, pounding heartbeat, chest pain and fever
Important Information
You should use extreme care when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Lunesta will cause drowsiness
and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness,
avoid these activities. Lunesta should be taken just before bedtime.
You may experience some carryover effects the next day Ambien
should not be used during pregnancy.It is not known whether Ambien
is excreted in human breast milk. Because many medicines are excreted
in breast milk and because the effect of Ambien
on infants has not been studied, women should not breast feed
while taking Ambien.
Missed Dose
Since Ambien is habitually taken only if you
need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems.
Take the missed dose only if you can be sure that you will get
8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep 8 full
hours, you may experience postpone effects from Lunesta after
you wake up.
What happens if you have taken Over dose?
Symptoms of a Ambien overdose may include sleepiness,
confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and coma. Call
emergency if you have taken.
Storage
Tablets should be stored at room temperahture, 15-30 °C (59-86
°F).