Stilnox Product Information
Stilnox is a brand name for the sleeping pill comprised of the drug zolpidem, and is also known as Ambien. Because zolpidem is potentially addictive, Stilnox prescriptions are strictly monitored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States or similar governing bodies in other countries. When used properly, Stilnox allows most people to sleep and overcome their insomnia problems. However, there are still some risks associated with Stilnox and other brands of the zolpidem drug.
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Dosage
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Stilnox is medically known as a sedative-hypnotic, according to MedlinePlus. The active ingredient, zolpidem, slows the brain down and allows the patient to sleep. Stilnox is usually given as a 10 mg instant or extended-release tablet and taken right before the user can devote at least seven to eight hours to sleep. Zolpidem should not be taken regularly for more than two weeks and works better when not taken right before or after a meal.
Precautions
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Stilnox is potentially addictive and can also make it extremely difficult for habitual users to sleep without the drug, according to MedlinePlus. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing should avoid zolpidem medications. In addition, those who are taking other sedatives, such as anti-anxiety tranquilizers like Xanax, or painkillers such as Percocet, are at greater risk of side effects and overdose when taking Stilnox. Alcohol should also be avoided or limited.
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Major Side Effects
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Stilnox does carry the risk of some major side effects, including possibly fatal overdose, according to MedlinePlus. Some patients have reported sleepwalking, binge eating, driving, or having sex while under the influence of zolpidem. The chance of such risky behavior is greatly reduced when the patient gets in bed to sleep immediately after taking the pill. Side effects that require immediate medical help include the following: rash, hives, itching, breathing problems, vomiting, pounding heartbeat, and blurred vision.
Common Side Effects
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Stilnox also carries usually minor and more common side effects that rarely require emergency medical aid, according to MedlinePlus. Such symptoms are as follows: drowsiness, weakness, headache, stomach ache, heavy menstrual bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and heartburn. Other possible side effects associated with zolpidem include the following: feeling "drugged," unsteady walking, appetite changes, dry mouth, dry throat, and unusual dreams.
Cost
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Many health insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of Stilnox, Ambien, and generic zolpidem. The amount of patient financial responsibility is dependent upon the individual's healthcare coverage. For self-pay patients with low income, prescription assistance programs are often available. As of September 2009, 30 tablets of generic 10 mg zolpidem cost about $19 for cash-paying patients. Stilnox is called Ambien in the United States. The estimated cash cost of 90 5 mg brand-name Ambien pills was about $160.
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