Frequently Asked Questions about AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR

What is AMBIEN?
AMBIEN is a prescription sleep medication for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults and is only indicated to help you fall asleep. It was introduced in Europe in 1988 and the United States five years later. Several billion doses have been prescribed worldwide.

What is AMBIEN CR?
AMBIEN CR is the latest formulation of the sleep aid AMBIEN. AMBIEN CR is the only prescription, dual-layered sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia. The first layer dissolves quickly, to help you get to sleep fast. Then, the second layer dissolves slowly, to help you stay asleep. In clinical studies AMBIEN CR was proven effective for up to 7 hours and can be taken for as long as your physician recommends.

Who should take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR?
AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR are indicated for the treatment of insomnia in adults. If you experience symptoms of insomnia, such as difficulty falling asleep, you should speak with your doctor about how to manage your symptoms. Your doctor can determine if a prescription sleep aid, such as AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR is appropriate for you.

How should I take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR?
As with all medications, it is important that you only take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR as directed by your doctor and as described in the prescribing information. The prescribing information contains important information about the safety, effectiveness and appropriate use of AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR. The prescribing information for AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR notes that:

• AMBIEN should only be taken at the exact dose prescribed and should not be taken for extended periods of time and with any other medicines without first talking to your doctor
• AMBIEN should only be taken when you are able to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again
• AMBIEN should be taken immediately before going to bed
• AMBIEN should not be taken with alcohol

How can I use AMBIEN CR properly?

• When using AMBIEN CR, it is important to always follow your doctor's instructions.
• AMBIEN CR tablets should not be divided, crushed, or chewed, and must be swallowed whole.
• It is suggested that for faster sleep onset AMBIEN CR not be taken with or immediately after a meal.
• You should not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking any sleep medication until you know how it will affect your physical or mental performance upon awakening.
• You should not drink alcohol while taking AMBIEN CR.

For additional information, read about the safe use of AMBIEN CR and please see additional important information.

Is there anything special that my doctor should know before AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR is prescribed for me?
Some conditions may affect how you take AMBIEN CR. Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• Drink alcohol
• Have a history of alcohol or drug dependency
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Have any breathing difficulties, such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema
• Have a history of heavy snoring
• Have a history of depression or currently are experiencing depression
• Have liver disease

How fast will I fall asleep with AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR?
AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR work very quickly. They have been shown to help individuals fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes, so only take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR right before going to bed and when you are able to get a full night’s (7 to 8 hours) of sleep.

Can I take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR with alcohol?
No, as indicated in our prescribing information, never drink alcohol while you are taking AMBIEN, AMBIEN CR or other sleep medicines. Alcohol can increase the side effects of AMBIEN, AMBIEN CR or other sleep medicines.

Can I take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR if I’m also taking other medications?
Always ask your doctor before taking other medications with AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR. This includes medicines that you can buy without a prescription. Some medications, even those available without prescription, can interfere with or increase the effect of AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR. Never drink alcohol while taking AMBIEN CR.

Can I take AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR with food?
When taken with food or immediately after a meal, it may take you longer to fall asleep. NEVER drink alcohol while you are being treated with AMBIEN CR or other sleep aid medicine. Alcohol can increase the side effects.

Can I take AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR if I'm pregnant?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Do I need to be concerned about taking too much AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR at once?
If taken properly under a physician's direction, AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR are proven to be safe. There have been reports of overdoses which we describe on the label, when taken alone or with central nervous system depressant medications. Only take AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR at the exact dose recommended by your physician.

How long can I safely take AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?
As with any prescription medication, you should take AMBIEN as directed by your doctor. AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR are non-narcotic and should not be taken for extended periods of time without first talking to your doctor. The failure of insomnia to remit after a week to 10 days of treatment with AMBIEN may indicate the presence of an underlying medical condition, and patients should be reevaluated by a physician if symptoms persist.

Can I take AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR if I wake up in the middle of the night?
Only take AMBIEN CR when you are prepared to devote a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep. This gives your body the time it needs to absorb the drug, so you wake up ready for your day†. Remember to always take AMBIEN CR as directed by your doctor.

Can I become dependent on AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR?
Studies show that, when taken as prescribed, AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR safely and effectively treats insomnia with no evidence of tolerance or dose escalation. However, most sleep medicines have some risk of dependence. People with a history of addiction, or alcohol and drug abuse, are at an increased risk of habituation and dependence from AMBIEN and AMBIEN CR and similar medications. They should be under careful surveillance, if their doctor prescribes AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR.

Is it okay to stop taking AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR without consulting my doctor?
No, always follow your doctor's instructions when reducing or stopping your use of AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR. You should consult your doctor if you are considering any changes in medication.

What happens if I stop taking AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR?
If you've been taking AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR for more than a week or two, you shouldn't stop taking it on your own. Always follow your doctor's instructions.

In two clinical studies of patients with insomnia, a rebound effect (worsening of insomnia) was only observed on the first night after an abrupt discontinuation of AMBIEN CR. On the second night, there was no worsening of insomnia.

What are the most common side effects of AMBIEN?
All medicines have potential side effects. During treatment with AMBIEN the most commonly observed side effects in clinical trials were drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea.

What are the most common side effects of AMBIEN CR?
All medicines have potential side effects. During treatment with AMBIEN CR the most commonly observed side effects in clinical trials were next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.

I'm an adult over 65 years of age who has insomnia. Will AMBIEN CR work for me?
Yes. AMBIEN CR is an effective treatment for insomnia in older adults. It is recommended that AMBIEN CR be administered in a 6.25 mg dosage to older patients age 65 and over. Ambien 5 mg is the recommended dosage for patients 65 and over.

I have heard that AMBIEN may cause sleepwalking or eating and driving while sleepwalking. Should I be concerned about this if I am taking AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR?
There have been rare occurrences of sleepwalking, sleep-related eating and sleep driving in people who may also be taking AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR or other sedative hypnotic medications. It is important to note that although sleepwalking may occur during treatment with AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR, it may not necessarily be caused by it. Sleepwalking is a possible rare event as noted in the prescribing information. If you experience events such as sleepwalking during treatment with AMBIEN or AMBIEN CR, you should contact your doctor.

How common is sleepwalking?
One source estimates that the incidence of sleepwalking in the general adult population is approximately four percent.

Does having a sleep disorder put me at greater risk for a sleep-related behavior such as sleepwalking or eating and driving while sleepwalking?
People who have some sleep disorders may be more likely to experience sleepwalking.

If I sleepwalk or have experienced sleepwalking before, but have difficulty sleeping, should I not take AMBIEN?
People who have certain sleep disorders may be more likely to experience sleepwalking. Only your doctor can determine the best way to manage your symptoms of insomnia.

I'm taking AMBIEN and worried about experiencing behaviors related to sleepwalking. Should I stop taking AMBIEN?
Sleep medication can play an important role in helping to manage insomnia. You should consult your doctor if you are considering any changes in medication.

Where can I find more information about AMBIEN?
For more information about AMBIEN or Ambien CR, call (800) 207-8049. For Ambien see full prescribing information and visit Factsaboutambien.com. For Ambien CR see full prescribing information and visit www.AmbienCR.com.