# Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/zolpidem-tartrate
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Zolpidem Tartrate?

Zolpidem Tartrate (brand name: Ambien) is a sedative-hypnotic. It is prescribed to treat sleep initiation and maintenance disorders. Across the United States, 149,000 doctors prescribe Zolpidem to approximately 1.0 million Medicare patients, making it one of the 50 most prescribed drugs in America.

## Brand names

Ambien

## Indications

Zolpidem Tartrate is primarily prescribed for the treatment of sleep initiation and maintenance disorders.

## Conditions treated

- [Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/sleep-initiation-and-maintenance-disorders)

## Mechanism of action

Zolpidem is a GABA A receptor positive modulator presumed to exert its therapeutic effects in the short-term treatment of insomnia through binding to the benzodiazepine site of α1 subunit containing GABA A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening resulting in the inhibition of neuronal excitation.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: Sedative-Hypnotic
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

drowsiness, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

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