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Zolpidem is a medication with certain potential risks and precautions that should be carefully considered. Below is a summary of important safety information, including warnings and special instructions:

• Abnormal Sleep Behaviors: Zolpidem may lead to unusual activities while not fully awake, such as sleepwalking, driving, eating, making phone calls, or engaging in sexual activities. These actions can occur even at the recommended dose and may result in serious injury or death. If such behaviors are noticed, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider immediately. These behaviors can be exacerbated by alcohol or other sleep-inducing medications.

• Daytime Drowsiness and Decreased Alertness: Use of zolpidem can cause daytime drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and reduced mental alertness. This effect is heightened when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or tricyclic antidepressants. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using these substances, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience a severe allergic reaction, such as angioedema, characterized by swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, or mouth, and difficulty breathing. These reactions can occur at any time during treatment and require immediate emergency medical attention.

• Abnormal Thoughts and Behavioral Changes: Zolpidem may cause unusual thoughts or changes in behavior, such as aggression, agitation, or hallucinations. Report any such changes to your healthcare provider for evaluation.

• Respiratory Issues: Slowed breathing may occur with zolpidem, particularly in individuals with sleep apnea or those using opioids or other medications that depress breathing. Consult your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your breathing pattern.

• Liver Considerations: Individuals with liver problems may experience a higher risk of side effects due to slower clearance of zolpidem. Those with severe liver issues should avoid this medication, as it can lead to encephalopathy. Discuss any liver conditions with your healthcare provider before starting zolpidem.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Long-term use of zolpidem can lead to tolerance and dependence. Abrupt cessation or dose reduction may result in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, panic attacks, and muscle cramps. Notify your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.

In case of any past abnormal sleep behaviors after using zolpidem, avoid taking this medication. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure this medication is safe for you, considering your medical history and any other medications you may be taking.

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as headache, sleepiness, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, back pain, flu-like symptoms, chest pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, depression, abnormal dreams, memory loss, stomach pain, constipation, sinus infection, sore throat, and rash. These symptoms are generally not severe but should be discussed with your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

For more serious side effects, immediate medical attention is essential. These include dangerous sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking or sleep driving, slowed brain activity leading to excessive sleepiness or confusion, and trouble breathing characterized by shallow or slow breaths. Rare but serious allergic reactions may occur, presenting as itchy or red rash, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or eyes. Additionally, any thoughts of self-harm or suicide should be treated with urgency.

Dizziness or difficulty with coordination might also occur, so it's advisable to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to avoid falls. Daytime drowsiness is another possible effect, and if experienced, consult your healthcare provider as your dosage may need adjustment. Although severe side effects are uncommon, it is crucial to be aware of them and seek medical advice if they occur.

Zolpidem can interact with a variety of medications and supplements, so it's important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about everything you're currently taking, including prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

One key interaction involves sodium oxybate and similar compounds like calcium, magnesium, and potassium oxybate. Using zolpidem with these is generally not advised due to potential risks.

Additionally, certain medications may require careful monitoring or dosage adjustments if used with zolpidem. These include drugs that cause drowsiness or affect your breathing, such as opioid painkillers like codeine and hydrocodone, sleep aids like Alprazolam and Lorazepam, muscle relaxants such as Carisoprodol and Cyclobenzaprine, and some antihistamines like Cetirizine and diphenhydramine. These combinations can increase the risk of severe drowsiness, dizziness, or breathing difficulties.

Other medications that can affect how zolpidem works include azole antifungals (like Ketoconazole), Rifampin, and herbal products such as St. John's Wort. These can influence the metabolism and removal of zolpidem from your body, altering its effectiveness.

Always check the labels on your medicines for ingredients that might cause drowsiness and consult your pharmacist if you're unsure about using them together with zolpidem. Your healthcare provider may adjust your medication regimen to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.