Some people have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can result in serious health problems over time. Ambien medicine, or zolpidem, is one of the most popular sleep aids on the market today, and with good reason—it’s been proven to help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer throughout the night. Learn more about why Ambien medicine can be so beneficial here!

Why does it help?

Ambien is commonly used as a sleeping pill. Ambien works for most people by helping them fall asleep and stay asleep. However, some people may be able to take lower doses (or skip it altogether) if they don’t want it to make them sleepy. If you’re not looking for something that will knock you out cold and keep you there all night, talk with your doctor about other ways to deal with insomnia—and try not to stay up late watching reruns while eating frozen pizza!

What dosage should I use?

There are two common ways to take Ambien. The recommended way is to take one 10 mg tablet at bedtime. This should knock you out and keep you asleep throughout most of your eight hours (but not all, if your job involves being on call). If you’re someone who has trouble falling asleep in general, or trouble staying asleep through an entire night, taking two 5 mg tablets instead might be a better option for you.

Can I get addicted?

Short answer? Yes. And anyone can become addicted to Ambien if they use it for more than two weeks straight—even people who have never had a problem with addiction in their life. Ambien is addictive because it acts on your brain’s receptors that are responsible for regulating certain chemicals and hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, which play an important role in your emotions, motivation, and mood.

Who shouldn’t take this medication?

Do not take Ambien if you are allergic to zolpidem. If you have taken another sedative-hypnotic (such as Valium) or antipsychotic medication within 24 hours, do not take Ambien without first talking to your doctor.

How long do I need to take it?

The effects of Ambien last only as long as you’re taking it. If you suffer from insomnia that lasts longer than four weeks, or if your symptoms are worsening over time, talk to your doctor about other treatment options. But if you take Ambien on an occasional basis (for example, once a month), don’t worry too much about long-term effects. You can typically safely take Ambien for no more than seven consecutive days without risking any major side effects or withdrawal symptoms.