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What is Ambien and How Does it Work?
Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem, an effective sedative-hypnotic medication (sleeping pill) used to treat insomnia. It is available as an oral tablet and should be taken shortly before heading to bed. Ambien works by binding to certain chemicals in the brain and increasing the amount of time it takes to drift off to sleep.
Ambien works more quickly than some other Sedative-Hypnotic Medications and can start working within 15 minutes after taking it. People who have difficulty falling asleep may find it helps them fall asleep more quickly. It tends to be less effective when taken later in the night, and people generally report that it stays in the body for a shorter amount of time.
Ambien Benefits
Ambien has helped many people who have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It is an effective medication for those struggling from insomnia. Ambien has been known to improve the quality of sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. People with insomnia who are tired from missing out on the deep and restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep report marked improvement in their daytime functioning with Ambien. Ambien can be particularly helpful for those who are experiencing difficulty in maintaining a regular sleep schedule or for those with jet lag.
Ambien Dosage
Ambien is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. The immediate-release form should be taken a half hour before bedtime, while the extended-release form should be taken one hour before bedtime. As with any medication, the exact dosage should be discussed with a doctor as it may vary based on individual needs.
People who generally use Ambien should take 5-10 mg for the immediate-release tablets and 6.25-12.5 mg for the Extended-release tablets. Older adults, or those suffering from increased sensitivity, may require lower doses. Similarly, higher doses may be used in certain cases to achieve the best results.
It is important to take Ambien exactly as prescribed by a doctor and not to exceed the recommended dose.
Ambien Mechanism of Action
Ambien works by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. GABA is a natural chemical in the brain that helps people to feel relaxed. Ambien binds to GABA receptors and increases the amount of GABA in the brain. This in turn, can help people to relax and makes it easier for them to drift off to sleep.
It is important to note, however, that Ambien has many potential side effects and should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. These side effects may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and hallucinations. It is also important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least eight hours after taking Ambien, as it can affect concentration and make it difficult to stay alert.
Ambien is an effective sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia. It works by affecting the GABA system in the brain and can help people who have difficulty falling asleep. People who experience jet lag or have difficulty sleeping through the night may benefit from taking Ambien.
While it is generally safe and effective, it is important to speak to a doctor before taking it and to always follow their instructions carefully.