Insomnia Treatment: Ambien, Trazodone & Sleep Medication Guide

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) — Insomnia Treatment

Prescription Insomnia Medication

Prescription medication may be considered when clinically appropriate.

The treatment selected can depend on factors such as:

• The patient's sleep symptoms
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous treatment response
• Potential medication interactions
• Other individual health considerations

Two medications that may be discussed in the context of sleep treatment are zolpidem (Ambien) and trazodone.

Zolpidem for Sleep: What Should You Know?

Zolpidem is the active ingredient in Ambien. It is a prescription medication indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation.

Zolpidem is not appropriate for every sleep problem or every patient.

Before determining whether zolpidem may be appropriate, a healthcare provider may review:

• Sleep symptoms and their duration
• Current medications
• Medical history
• Previous reactions to medications
• Potential contraindications
• Other factors that may affect treatment safety

The decision to prescribe zolpidem should be based on an individual clinical evaluation.

Learn more: A2ZRx Ambien (Zolpidem) Treatment

Ambien for Insomnia: Uses and Important Safety Information

Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem.

An important safety consideration is the FDA boxed warning concerning complex sleep behaviors associated with zolpidem and certain other prescription insomnia medications.

Complex sleep behaviors may include sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake. The FDA has reported serious injuries and deaths associated with these behaviors.

Patients should follow the prescribing healthcare professional's instructions and should not independently change their prescribed dose.

Patients should also provide their healthcare provider with complete information about medications they are taking and their alcohol use because other substances or medications may affect treatment safety.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); DailyMed - Ambien Prescribing Information

Zolpidem and Next-Morning Impairment

Zolpidem may impair alertness the following morning, even when a patient feels fully awake.

The FDA has warned that next-morning impairment can affect activities requiring alertness, including driving.

Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions and the current prescribing information regarding dose, timing, and activities requiring full alertness.