Zolpidem: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly difficulty falling asleep. It enhances the action of a calming chemical in the brain and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. Treatment is intended to be as short as possible because the risk of abuse and dependence increases with longer use.

Zolpidem is used for short-term insomnia characterised by difficulty getting to sleep. Its intended benefit is to reduce the time between going to bed and falling asleep, rather than to treat an underlying cause of sleep problems.

Long-term use is not recommended. If insomnia continues after 7 to 10 days of treatment, the label calls for reassessment, as persistent sleep difficulties may reflect another physical or mental health condition.

The label lists oral capsules of 7.5 mg; oral tablets, including film-coated tablets, of 5 mg and 10 mg; and sublingual tablets of 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg. The label lists coated oral tablets of 5 mg, 6.25 mg, 10 mg and 12.5 mg, and extended-release oral tablets, including film-coated versions, of 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg. The following dosing facts concern zolpidem tartrate tablets, rather than every formulation.

The label lists an initial single bedtime dose of 5 mg for women and 5 mg or 10 mg for men, with 7 to 8 hours remaining before planned awakening. The label lists a maximum of 10 mg once daily, with no repeat administration during the same night. The label lists 5 mg once daily immediately before bedtime for elderly or debilitated patients and those with mild to moderate liver impairment.

Treatment should be as short as possible, with reassessment before extended use. Food may slow the medicine's effect.

Zolpidem works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, usually called GABA, at GABA-A receptors in the brain. GABA is a natural chemical messenger that slows nerve activity.

By strengthening this calming signal, zolpidem produces a sedative effect that can help with falling asleep. The same slowing of nervous system activity can also cause drowsiness, reduced coordination and impaired alertness, including the following morning.

Zolpidem crosses the placenta. Published pregnancy data have not shown a clear association with major birth defects, but exposure late in the third trimester may cause sedation and breathing suppression in newborns. Zolpidem is present in human milk, and excess sedation has been reported in exposed infants.

The label states that breastfeeding may be interrupted, with milk expressed and discarded during treatment and for 23 hours after administration. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with a doctor; exposed infants need monitoring for sedation, reduced muscle tone and breathing difficulties.

A missed bedtime dose should not be made up by doubling a later dose. If bedtime has passed or a full night's sleep is no longer possible, skip the missed dose and seek advice from a pharmacist if unsure. The label does not recommend repeat administration during the same night.

The label specifies storage at 20º to 25°C, with excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and follow the storage directions on the pack to maintain quality.