What is eszopiclone? Eszopiclone is a sedative that is used to treat insomnia. eszopiclone causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Eszopiclone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, stop taking eszopiclone and call your doctor right away. Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake. Before taking this medicine You should not use eszopiclone if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don't remember. Eszopiclone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver disease; a breathing disorder; depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or drug or alcohol addiction. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. The sedative effects of eszopiclone may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking eszopiclone. How should I take eszopiclone? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Eszopiclone may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away eszopiclone is against the law. Eszopiclone will make you fall asleep. Never take this medicine during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if they get worse. Do not stop using eszopiclone suddenly after taking it over several days in a row, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription. Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking eszopiclone, and may be even worse than before. Tell your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking eszopiclone. What happens if I miss a dose? Since eszopiclone is taken only at bedtime, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Never take this medicine if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of eszopiclone can be fatal, especially when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness. What should I avoid while taking eszopiclone? Avoid taking eszopiclone during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get at least 8 hours of sleep after taking eszopiclone. Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Avoid taking eszopiclone within 1 hour after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication. Eszopiclone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking eszopiclone. Until you know how this medicine will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Eszopiclone side effects Eszopiclone may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking eszopiclone and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea, vomiting; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, stop taking eszopiclone and call your doctor right away. Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake. Call your doctor at once if you have: anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation; memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior; thoughts of hurting yourself; or confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things). Common side effects may include: day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling; headache, anxiety; dry mouth; unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; rash; or cold or flu symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   Eszopiclone dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia: Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime Maintenance dose: 1 to 3 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime Maximum dose: 3 mg/day Comments: -The lowest effective dose should be used. -Patients should be monitored for cognitive and/or motor impairments, especially if this drug is used repeatedly. -Patients should be reevaluated if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of treatment. Use: Treatment of insomnia Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia: Initial dose: 1 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime Maintenance dose: 1 to 2 mg orally once a day immediately before bedtime Maximum dose: 2 mg/day Comments: -The lowest effective dose should be used. -Patients should be monitored for cognitive and/or motor impairments, especially if this drug is used repeatedly. -Patients should be reevaluated if insomnia persists after 7 to 10 days of treatment. Use: Treatment of insomnia   What other drugs will affect eszopiclone? Using eszopiclone with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, other sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may affect eszopiclone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

What is temazepam? Temazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia). Temazepam is used short term to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep). Temazepam works by slowing down the central nervous system (brain), causing drowsiness which helps patients fall asleep. Warnings Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. Never take this medicine if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking temazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder. Temazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medicine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Take this medication only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine. Before taking this medicine You should not use temazepam if you are allergic to it. Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. This medicine could harm the unborn baby. To make sure temazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: lung disease or breathing problems; depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts; alcoholism or drug addiction; or liver or kidney disease. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Valtoco is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. How should I take temazepam? Take temazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use temazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine. Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking temazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions. Temazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice. Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly. Dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia: 7.5 to 30 mg orally once a day at bedtime Comments: -In transient insomnia, a 7.5 mg dose may be sufficient to improve sleep latency. -In elderly or debilitated patients, therapy should be initiated at 7.5 mg until individual responses are determined. Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days)   What happens if I miss a dose? Temazepam is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Take temazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep. Do not use two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of temazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma. What should I avoid while taking temazepam? Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking temazepam. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be impaired. Temazepam side effects Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Call your doctor at once if you have: confusion, agitation, hallucinations; depressed mood; or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. Some people using temazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury. Common temazepam side effects may include: drowsiness, tiredness; dizziness; headache; nausea; or feeling nervous. After you stop using temazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   What other drugs will affect temazepam? Taking temazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may interact with temazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

What is zaleplon? Zaleplon is a sedative that is used to treat insomnia. zaleplon causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Zaleplon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Warnings Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and call your doctor right away. Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake. Before taking this medicine You should not use zaleplon if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don't remember. Zaleplon is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: liver or kidney disease; a breathing disorder; depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or drug or alcohol addiction. You should not take zaleplon if you are pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using zaleplon. The sedative effects of zaleplon may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking zaleplon. How should I take zaleplon? Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Zaleplon may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away zaleplon is against the law. Zaleplon will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have several hours to dedicate to sleeping. Zaleplon is for short-term use only. Do not take zaleplon for longer than 5 weeks without your doctor's advice. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if they get worse. Do not stop using zaleplon suddenly after taking it over several days in a row, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription. Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking zaleplon, and may be even worse than before. Tell your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking zaleplon. What happens if I miss a dose? Since zaleplon is taken only at bedtime, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have several hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take two doses at one time. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of zaleplon can be fatal, especially when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, severe muscle weakness, weak or shallow breathing, fainting. What should I avoid while taking zaleplon? Avoid taking zaleplon during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get the equivalent of a full night's sleep after taking zaleplon. Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Avoid taking zaleplon with food or right after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine. Zaleplon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how zaleplon will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Zaleplon side effects Zaleplon may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; nausea and vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, stop taking zaleplon and call your doctor right away. Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake. Call your doctor at once if you have: anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation; memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior; thoughts of hurting yourself; or confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things). Common side effects may include: day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling; feeling light-headed; problems with coordination; or numbness, tingling, or prickly feeling on your skin. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   Zaleplon dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia: 10 mg orally once a day, immediately before bedtime OR after the patient has gone to bed and is having trouble falling asleep -Maximum dose: 20 mg/day Comments: -Doses should be individualized. -Efficacy was established in trials ranging from a single night to 5 weeks. Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia: 5 mg orally once a day, immediately before bedtime OR after the patient has gone to bed and is having trouble falling asleep -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day Comments: -Doses should be individualized. -Efficacy was established in trials ranging from a single night to 5 weeks. Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia   What other drugs will affect zaleplon? Using zaleplon with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, other sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may affect zaleplon, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

What is zolpidem? Zolpidem is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia). Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release forms are Ambien, Intermezzo, Edluar, and Zolpimist, which are used to help you fall asleep. The extended-release form of zolpidem is Ambien CR which has a first layer that dissolves quickly to help you fall asleep, and a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep. Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist are used to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed. Intermezzo, is used to help you fall back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night and then have trouble sleeping. Your doctor will determine which form of zolpidem is best for you. Warnings Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zolpidem and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects. Zolpidem may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine, especially if you take the extended-release tablet, or if you are a woman. Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Never take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Do not take zolpidem if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed. Before taking this medicine Some people using zolpidem have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking zolpidem and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to zolpidem. The tablets may contain lactose. Use caution if you are sensitive to lactose. Zolpidem is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; drug or alcohol addiction; lung disease or breathing problems; sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); or liver or kidney disease. Taking zolpidem in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause drowsiness or breathing problems in your newborn. It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. How should I take zolpidem? The recommended doses of zolpidem are not the same in men and women, and this drug is not approved for use in children. Take zolpidem exactly as prescribed by your doctor, Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more or increase your dose. Zolpidem may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Never take Ambien, Edluar, or Zolpimist if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take Intermezzo for middle-of-the-night insomnia unless you have 4 hours of sleep time left before being active. Zolpidem is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Keep the Zolpimist bottle upright when not in use. Do not stop using zolpidem suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine. Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking zolpidem, and may be even worse than before. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking zolpidem. What happens if I miss a dose? Since zolpidem is taken only at bedtime if needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of zolpidem can be fatal, especially when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness. Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. What to avoid Avoid taking zolpidem during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medicine have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking this medicine. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how zolpidem will affect you. You may still feel sleepy in the morning, and your reactions could be impaired. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed. Zolpidem side effects Zolpidem may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to zolpidem: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling short of breath; trouble breathing or swallowing; or feeling like you might pass out. The sedative effect of zolpidem may be stronger in older adults. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Common zolpidem side effects may include: daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed; tired feeling, loss of coordination; stuffy nose, dry mouth, nose or throat irritation; nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach; or headache, muscle pain. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.   Dosing information Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia: IMMEDIATE RELEASE (IR) TABLETS, ORAL SPRAY, and SUBLINGUAL TABLETS (5 and 10 mg formulations): Initial dose: -Women: 5 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime -Men: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime Maintenance dose: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime Maximum dose: 10 mg/day CONTROLLED/EXTENDED RELEASE (CR/ER) TABLETS: Initial dose: -Women: 6.25 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime -Men: 6.25 to 12.5 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime Maintenance dose: 6.25 to 12.5 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime Maximum dose: 12.5 mg/day SUBLINGUAL TABLETS (1.75 and 3.5 mg Formulations): Women: 1.75 mg orally once a day at night as needed -Maximum dose: 1.75 mg/day Men: 3.5 mg orally once a day at night as needed -Maximum dose: 3.5 mg/day Comments: -The recommended initial doses for women and men are different due to the lower rate of drug clearance in females. -Clinical trials supporting IR tablet efficacy were 4 to 5 weeks' duration, while CR/ER tablet efficacy were 3 to 24 weeks in duration. -The 1.75 and 3.5 mg sublingual tablet formulations should be taken when the patient wakes in the middle of the night and has trouble falling back to sleep. -LIMITATION OF USE: The 1.75 and 3.5 mg sublingual tablet formulations are not indicated for the treatment of insomnia in patients who have less than 4 hours of bedtime remaining before the planned awakening time. Uses: -IR Tablets, Oral Spray, and Sublingual Tablets (5 and 10 mg Formulations): Short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation -CR/ER Tablets: Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance (as measured by wake time after sleep onset) -Sublingual Tablets (1.75 and 3.5 mg Formulations): As needed for the treatment of insomnia when a middle-of-the-night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia: IR TABLETS, ORAL SPRAY, and SUBLINGUAL TABLETS (5 and 10 mg formulations): 5 mg orally once a day immediately prior to bedtime -Maximum dose: 5 mg/day CR/ER TABLETS: Patients 65 years and over: 6.25 mg orally once a day at night immediately prior to bedtime -Maximum dose: 6.25 mg/day SUBLINGUAL TABLETS (1.75 and 3.5 mg Formulations): Patients over 65 years: 1.75 mg orally once a day at night as needed -Maximum dose: 1.75 mg/day Comments: -Doses are the same in men and women. -Clinical trials supporting IR tablet efficacy were 4 to 5 weeks' duration, while CR/ER tablet efficacy were 3 to 24 weeks in duration. -The 1.75 sublingual tablet formulations should be taken when the patient wakes in the middle of the night and has trouble falling back to sleep. -LIMITATION OF USE: The 1.75 sublingual tablet formulations are not indicated for the treatment of insomnia in patients who have less than 4 hours of bedtime remaining before the planned awakening time. Uses: -IR Tablets, Oral Spray, and Sublingual Tablets (5 and 10 mg Formulations): Short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation -CR/ER Tablets: Treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance (as measured by wake time after sleep onset) -Sublingual Tablets (1.75 and 3.5 mg Formulations): As needed for the treatment of insomnia when a middle-of-the-night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep   What other drugs will affect zolpidem? Using zolpidem with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Many drugs can interact with zolpidem, making it less effective or increasing side effects. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.