Sleep Aids Using Zolpidem Now Require Lower Dosage

 Posted on February 12, 2013 in Drugs

The FDA is now requiring sleep aids such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar and Zolpimist to lower their dosage. Zolpidem, an ingredient in these brands, may remain in the blood the next morning in high enough levels to impair certain activities that require alertness.

Zolpidem is eliminated slower from women's bloodstreams, so the FDA is notifying manufacturers to lower the recommended dose for women—and they suggest lowering it for men as well. Especially in the extended-release form, zolpidem can cause problems the following morning for some activities, such as driving.

The FDA says in this article from January 10 that dosage for women should be cut in half (from 10mg to 5mg in immediate release pills, and 12.5mg to 6.25mg in extended-release) and the lowest possible dosage should always be used, regardless of sex. In addition, any patient that has complex tasks in the morning should talk to their health care professional to see if a sleep aid is the best choice for their lifestyle.

While recent research from clinical trials and studies has now proven the correlation between Zolpidem and impaired mental alertness, all sleep aids have some risk of drowsiness in the morning. Currently, the FDA is evaluating drowsiness caused from other insomnia drugs—including over-the-counter pills.

Patients currently on the higher prescription dosage should not change anything until they talk to their health care professional. Each case is different, and it is important to fully understand how the aids are helping you.

If sleep aids or other medications have caused trouble in your daily life, it is best to speak with an experienced lawyer to find out what options are available to you. With six locations in Northern Illinois, Newland & Newland can help you take the next step today.