Special Diets

Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using zolpidem and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Prime the product according to the instructions before you use it for the first time and if you have not used it for at least 14 days. Point the spray away from your face and other people while you are priming it.

Spray this medication into your mouth over your tongue as directed by your doctor, usually once a night. Since zolpidem works quickly, use it right before you get into bed. Use it on an empty stomach. Do not use it with or right after a meal because it will not work as quickly.

Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss and may have trouble safely doing anything that needs alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. (See also Precautions section.)

Dosage is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, use it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Do not use more than 10 milligrams a day. Women are usually prescribed a lower dose because the drug is removed from the body more slowly than in men. Older adults are usually prescribed a lower dose to decrease the risk of side effects.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used zolpidem for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts after 7 to 10 days, or if it gets worse.

You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop using this medication. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. It will usually go away after 1-2 nights. If this effect continues, contact your doctor.