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About AMBIEN CR® (zolpidem tartrate)
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AMBIEN CR (Zolpidem Tartrate Extended Release) Sleep Aid

FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

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About AMBIEN CR

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For falling asleep and staying asleep 4

AMBIEN CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.4

  • The safety and efficacy of zolpidem, the active ingredient in AMBIEN CR, has been reinforced by 17 years of real-world use, and the more than 12 billion doses of AMBIEN CR that have been prescribed worldwide.5
  • AMBIEN CR is considered a non-benzodiazepine and is different from older prescription sleep medications.2,4-8
  • AMBIEN CR has two layers: the first layer dissolves quickly to help patients fall asleep; the second dissolves slowly, to help them stay asleep.2,4-6,.8

Explore this section to learn more about AMBIEN CR and how it helps your patients treat their sleep problems.

The AMBIEN CR Difference

There are some important differences between AMBIEN CR and AMBIEN® (zolpidem tartrate). Make sure your patients know the differences and get the right formulation from their pharmacists.

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Sleep Onset & Maintenance

AMBIEN CR is the only 2-layer sleep aid for falling asleep and staying asleep.2,5

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Chronic Insomnia & Sleep-Related Next-Day Function

In clinical trials, patients reported significantly less morning sleepiness and significant improvements in work productivity with AMBIEN CR compared to placebo.3,5

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AMBIEN CR Mechanism of Action

AMBIEN CR is a non-benzodiazepine that works through selective binding to the omega-1 (BZ1) receptor subtype of the GABA receptor complex. This subtype is thought to be the one most closely associated with sleep.4,7,8

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Pharmacokinetics

The controlled-release characteristics of AMBIEN CR reflect the dual-layer design and the resultant biphasic absorption characteristics.2,4-6,8

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Next: The AMBIEN CR Difference

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* Maximum benefit is $240 off, up to $20 off each prescription (up to 12 prescriptions), depending on your out-of-pocket costs. Not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, government (public insurance) programs, or any private payor in the state of Massachusetts and where prohibited by law.

AMBIEN CR is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance.

AMBIEN® (zolpidem tartrate) is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

In elderly or debilitated patients, or in patients with hepatic insufficiency or dysfunction, the recommended dose of AMBIEN CR is 6.25 mg and the recommended dose of AMBIEN is 5 mg. These patients should be closely monitored.

AMBIEN CR and AMBIEN both have rapid onset of action; therefore, patients should ingest right before going to bed and when ready for sleep. To avoid residual effects, patients should not take AMBIEN CR or AMBIEN unless they are prepared to get a full night’s sleep (7 to 8 hours). Until they know how it will affect their physical or mental performance upon awakening, patients should not drive or operate hazardous machinery after taking AMBIEN CR, AMBIEN, or any other sleep medication. Complex behaviors such as somnambulism, including driving or eating while not fully awake, with amnesia for the event, as well as abnormal behaviors such as being more outgoing or aggressive than normal, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations may occur. AMBIEN CR or AMBIEN should not be taken with alcohol as they may increase these abnormal behaviors. Discontinuation of AMBIEN CR or AMBIEN should be strongly considered for patients reporting such complex behaviors. Angioedema may occur in patients taking AMBIEN CR or AMBIEN and in rare cases may be fatal. Patients who develop angioedema should not be rechallenged. In primarily depressed patients, worsening of depression, including risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, including completed suicides, have been reported. The most commonly observed adverse effects in controlled clinical trials of AMBIEN CR were headache, somnolence, and dizziness. During short-term treatment with AMBIEN, the most commonly observed adverse effects in controlled clinical trials were drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea. Because individuals with a history of addiction or substance abuse are at increased risk of habituation and dependence, they should be under careful surveillance when receiving
AMBIEN CR, AMBIEN, or any other hypnotic. Both AMBIEN CR and AMBIEN are Schedule IV controlled substances. Sedative hypnotics have produced withdrawal symptoms following abrupt discontinuation.

Please refer to the full prescribing information for AMBIEN CR.

Please refer to the full prescribing information for AMBIEN.