Ambien CR Effects
Ambien CR is a controlled-release, non-narcotic prescription sleep-aid used to treat insomnia. Unlike Ambien, Ambien CR tablets contain two layers of medicine to help patients fall asleep and stay asleep or fall back to sleep faster. The first layer dissolves into the bloodstream quickly, and the second layer dissolves slowly, sending a steady release of the drug into the body for the following seven hours. As with all prescription medications, Ambien CR does have side effects ranging from mild to severe that individuals should be aware of before taking the drug.
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Typical Use
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Ambien CR has been approved by the FDA to treat insomnia, but it has not been approved as a treatment option for any other disorder or disease. It is typically prescribed for patients with a history of insomnia. The active ingredient in Ambien CR, zolpidem tartrate, is a sedative and helps patients fall asleep quickly. The drug typically acts very quickly, and many users fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes. Ambien CR should not be taken with meals, as this may increase the time it takes for the drug to take effect. The second layer of Ambien CR is a controlled release of zolpidem tartrate that helps the patient stay asleep or fall asleep quickly if he wakes in the night. The effects of Ambien CR generally wear off around seven or eight hours after the drug is taken.
Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects of Ambien CR are headache, dizziness and drowsiness during the day. Patients should use extreme caution while driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the drug will affect them. Patients should refrain from alcohol use when taking Ambien CR and always take no more than the dose prescribed by their physicians.
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Tolerance
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Ambien CR is typically used for one or two days at a time to help patients overcome episodes of insomnia. Individuals should not use the drug consistently for more than two weeks at a time without consulting a physician first. Over time, many patients build up a tolerance for Ambien CR, leading them to take more than the recommended dosage prescribed by their doctor. This can lead to potentially serious complications. Individuals with severe insomnia lasting more than two weeks at a time should consult a doctor to discuss other possible treatment methods.
Dependence
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All sleep medications carry a risk of dependency. Individuals with prior histories of alcohol and/or drug addiction may be at greater risk of developing a dependence on Ambien CR. As dependency grows, patients may find they need more of the medication to achieve the desired results, and they often cannot sleep or function normally without it. Those who become addicted to Ambien CR may experience withdrawal symptoms including cramping, vomiting, shaking and sweating. In rare cases, dependent patients have experienced seizures when stopping the medication.
Mental and Behavioral Changes
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Mental and behavioral side effects are not common in Ambien CR patients, but they are possible. Some people who take sleep aids may experience confusion, irritability, depression, agitation or aggressive behavior. In severe cases, Ambien CR patients have reported suicidal thoughts and actions so it is important to discuss any mental or behavioral changes with a doctor or mental health professional before continuing to take the medication.
Memory Problems
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Some Ambien CR patients have experienced memory loss after taking the medication. This is not usually a major problem, since most people fall asleep shortly after taking the drug. Some patients have reported sleepwalking, driving or eating with no memory of the events. Memory problems can also occur if the person wakes up before the effect of the medication has worn off. Patients are advised to take Ambien CR only when they can devote a full seven or eight hours to sleep to avoid possible memory problems.
Allergic Reactions
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Some side effects of Ambien CR require immediate medical attention. Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pains or swelling of the throat and tongue are signs of a possible allergic reaction and should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. In very rare cases, allergic reactions to Ambien CR can be fatal if not properly treated immediately.
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