This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 3 Mar 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 17 Mar 2024), ASHP (updated 20 Mar 2024) and others. When zolpidem (Ambien) was first discovered, scientists thought it unlikely to cause tolerance, dependence, or be misused like benzodiazepines. Ambien and Ambien CR are used as short-term treatments to help manage insomnia (trouble sleeping).

1. Ambien is prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, and Xanax is used for anxiety or panic disorder.
2. A person may also develop a dependence on the medication if the brain relies on it to maintain a normal chemical balance.
3. Two popular prescription drugs for these conditions are Ambien (for insomnia) and Xanax (for anxiety/panic attacks).
4. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech.

Based on Insomnia Severity Index scores after four weeks of treatment, people taking Lunesta or Ambien experienced similar improvements in total sleep time. Although both drugs work in similar ways, Lunesta and Ambien contain different ingredients. Lunesta is a brand-name medication that contains eszopiclone while Ambien is a brand-name medication that contains zolpidem tartrate. The most common side effects of Ambien are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea.

What is Ambien?

Side effects of Xanax usually increase with higher doses. The most common side effects of Xanax are sedation, dizziness, and weakness. Drugs.com alcoholism: definition symptoms traits causes treatment provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.

What To Do if You Suspect an Ambien Overdose

It’s possible to do these things and have no memory of them later. The risk of this side effect is greater if you drink alcohol or use other central nervous system (CNS) depressants while taking either of these drugs. You take these drugs just before you’re ready to go to bed. It’s important that you don’t take them unless you have time for seven or eight hours of sleep. Also, they won’t work well if you eat a heavy or high-fat meal before you take them.

Drug interactions of Lunesta vs. Ambien

However, according to the manufacturer of Ambien or Ambien CR, you should not use either drug with other medications for sleep. If you have questions about whether Ambien or Ambien CR are working for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It’s not known why some drugs work in some people or why drugs work sometimes but not all the time.

Numerous motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical errors have been linked to insufficient sleep. Sleep problems often stem from stress, pain, or medical conditions that may not always respond to lifestyle changes recommended to improve sleep. Remember, you should not change your mental health and substance abuse health coverage options dosage of Ambien without your doctor’s recommendation. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Tell your doctor if you have a history of substance misuse or addiction. They’ll monitor you closely for signs of misuse, dependence, or addiction.

You’ll take one Ambien tablet or one Ambien CR tablet once daily, just before bedtime. Plan to have at least 7 to 8 hours for sleeping after you take a dose. No, this isn’t a recommended dosage of Ambien or Ambien CR.