The drug Zolpidem is more commonly known as Ambien. This medication is uses for the short term treatment of insomnia. Occasionally, Ambien is used for the treatment of brain disorders. Ambien is classified as a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drug. The benefits of this medication are that it starts to work quickly and also has a short half life.
Ambien is different than many of the other sleep related medications on the market. It does not help patients fall asleep; instead it helps patients maintain sleep. This is favorable because when patients do wake in the morning they will feel rested without the groggy feeling that often accompanies other sleep aides currently on the market.
As is the case with all medications currently on the market, Ambien is associated with some side effects. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, amnesia, hallucinations, delusions, altered thought patterns, lack of motor coordination, increase appetite and decreased libido. Additionally, Ambien may be associated with an impaired judgment, lack of reasoning ability, increased impulsivity, and headaches. Luckily, not all patients will experience any or all of these symptoms. Most patients find that the side effects that they do experience will subside on their own in a few days to a couple weeks.