Ambien CR - an overview
Ambien CR goes by the generic name of zolpidem tartrate ER tablets. It is a sleeping medication that is available by prescription to help treat adult insomnia.
The maker
Anofi-Aventis is the maker of Ambien CR.
Uses
As previously mentioned, this is a medicine to treat insomnia. It is prescribed for many different sleep problems that include:
- Trouble getting to sleep
- Frequent waking throughout the night
What it does
Ambien CR belongs to the group of medications known as hypnotics or sedatives. They are more commonly called sleep medicine.
According to clinical studies, when people that took the medication were compared with people that did not, those taking the medication noticed:
- They fell asleep more quickly
- Experienced more quality sleep
- Woke up throughout the night less
Recommended dosage
The starting dose of this medication that is most often recommended is 12.5 mg that should be taken just before going to bed.
For those that are taking other medications that work within the brain, are elderly or have liver disease, it is recommended that the starting dosage be reduced to 6.25 mg.
Commonly Reported Secondary Effects
Many studies have been done on Ambien CR to evaluate the 3,660 study participants.
These studies always document and compare secondary effects that are found in a group of people that didn't take the medicine. This makes it possible to determine what secondary effects are occurring, how often they show up and how these effects compare to those that did not take the medication.
These studies found that the most common secondary effects with Ambien CR included:
- Headache
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dizziness
Generic forms
Ambien CR also goes by the generic name zolpidem tartrate ER tablets. It is a medicine that helps to ease symptoms of insomnia in grownups. Sanofi-Aventis is the maker of brand name Ambien, but there are generic forms available.
Generic Ambien Availability
Generic forms of Ambien CR can be found in two strengths:
- 6.25 mg Zolpidem ER
- 12.5 mg Zolpidem ER