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Zolpidem Oral Spray (ZOLPIDEM SPRAY - ORAL)

For sleeping.

Brand Name(s): Zolpimist

Generic Name: Zolpidem Tartrate

Instructions

Do not spray the medicine into or near your eyes.

Before using this medicine for the first time, you must get the spray ready to use - called prime the spray. Point the bottle away from your face and spray it into the air five times. It is now ready to use.

If the medicine hasn't been used for 2 weeks or longer, prime the spray again with one spray.

Hold the spray upright and point the nozzle into the mouth.

Spray medicine on the tongue just before bedtime. Be sure to press the pump down completely.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

This medicine may take longer to work if taken with or right after a meal.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Store in original bottle, tightly closed and upright.

Sleep medicines should only usually be used for a few days at a time. When sleep medicines are used for more than a few weeks, they may not work as well. Speak with your doctor about how often you should take this medicine to help you sleep.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

You may need to decrease your dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Sleep medicines may sometimes cause you to forget what happened while you were on the medicine. To prevent this, use this medicine only when you are able to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not operate machinery or drive while on this medicine.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with breathing difficulties.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • dizziness
  • drowsiness during daytime

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • anger or hostile feelings
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • shallow, irregular breathing
  • slow or shallow breathing
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • confusion
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • memory problems or loss
  • mood changes
  • shortness of breath
  • unusual behavior during sleep such as walking, talking, cooking, eating, making phone calls or driving
  • suicidal thoughts

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.