Zolpidem CR

AMBIEN CR

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Pronunciation: ZOL-pi-dem (AM-bee-un)

Zolpidem CR ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Zolpidem CR ballicule

Zolpidem CR AMBIEN mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Zolpidem CR mascot
**“Amnesia bean Soul pie”**

What it isControlled-release GABA-A positive modulator; insomnia involving sleep onset and maintenance.

Why this oneIts biphasic tablet (outer layer for onset, core for maintenance) is labeled for sleep-maintenance insomnia, unlike IR.

What limits itBoxed complex sleep behaviors can occur after any exposure; next-day impairment, falls, and dependence also matter.

Zolpidem CR molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Zolpidem CR

Zolpidem CR prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Sleep meds (1869–2026). Zolpidem CR enters in 1993 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

insomnia (onset + maintenance) (2005)

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger2 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability3 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk2 / 4

Legacy pregnancy categoryC

Defining liabilityComplex sleep behaviors, next-day impairment, falls and additive CNS depression.

FDA label

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BOXED WARNING Complex sleep behaviors (sleep-walking, sleep-driving, other activities while not fully awake) that may cause serious injury or death; discontinue if they occur.

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Short-term treatment of insomnia (sleep onset and/or maintenance)	Adults	6.25 mg QHS (women); 6.25 or 12.5 mg QHS (men)		12.5 mg QD
Short-term treatment of insomnia	Geriatric/debilitated or mild–moderate hepatic impairment	6.25 mg QHS		6.25 mg QD

Renal Undefined

Hepatic Mild–moderate: 6.25 mg QHS. Avoid in severe hepatic impairment (may precipitate encephalopathy).

Single dose per night; do not readminister during the same night

Instructions

Swallow whole; do not crush, divide, or chew
Take immediately before bedtime with ≥7–8 h remaining before awakening
Effect may be slowed if taken with or immediately after a meal

Available strengths

ER tab 6.25, 12.5 mg

Contraindications

Patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors after taking zolpidem

Cautions

Complex sleep behaviors
CNS depression and next-day impairment (esp. 12.5 mg)
Severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema
Abnormal thinking/behavior changes
Withdrawal effects

Adverse reactions

Headache
Next-day somnolence
Dizziness

Pregnancy Late third-trimester use may cause neonatal respiratory depression and sedation.

Lactation May pump and discard breast milk during treatment and for 23 h after a dose.

Cost

Zolpidem CR (AMBIEN CR)

What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26

Strength		#/mo	generic $/mo	CostPlus
6.25 mg	ER tab	30 qd	$3.05	not offered
12.5 mg	ER tab	30 qd	$3.28	not offered

Other forms: Zolpidem (AMBIEN) · Zolpidem SL (EDLUAR)

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Memory aids: interaction avatars

CYP3A4 substrate

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Self-check

How does AMBIEN CR’s outer layer differ from its core?
Outer layer: onset; core: maintenance.
Can complex sleep behaviors occur after any AMBIEN CR exposure?
Yes.