Zolpidem Vitabalans
Zolpidem Vitabalans is used for adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
How to Use
Dosage
For adults, the usual daily dose is 10 mg. For elderly, frail patients, or those with liver problems, the starting dose is usually 5 mg, which may be increased to 10 mg if your doctor finds it safe.
Method
Take one tablet with liquid, just before you go to bed. The tablet can be divided. Take it as a single dose right before sleep.
Do not take more than 10 mg in a 24-hour period.
Possible Side Effects
- •Hallucinations
- •Anxiety
- •Nightmares
- •Drowsiness
- •Headache
- •Dizziness
- •Increased insomnia
- •Memory loss (potentially with inappropriate behavior)
- •Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- •Drowsiness the day after, dulled emotions, reduced alertness, double vision
- •Diarrhea
- •Nausea
- •Vomiting
- •Weakness
- •Stomach pain
- •Back pain
- •Confusion
- •Irritability
- •Muscle weakness
- •Coordination problems
- •Paradoxical reactions including restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggression, delusions, rage, nightmares, hallucinations, psychosis, and other behavioral disturbances (more common in elderly patients)
- •Severe allergic reaction with swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Changes in sexual desire
- •Depression (feelings of sadness)
- •Physical dependence (even at therapeutic doses, sudden stop may lead to withdrawal symptoms and recurrence of problems)
- •Psychological dependence (feeling unable to sleep without the medication)
- •Sleepwalking
- •Increased liver enzymes (seen in blood tests)
- •Rash, itching, hives
- •Excessive sweating
- •Changes in gait (walking style)
- •Need for higher doses to achieve the same effect
- •Falls, especially in the elderly
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to zolpidem tartrate or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep), severe liver problems, severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), or severe breathing problems.
- Talk to your doctor if you are elderly, have liver problems, chronic breathing difficulties, a mental illness (as Zolpidem may worsen symptoms), depression, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse (risk of dependence increases with dose and treatment length).
- The risk of impaired coordination and driving ability the day after taking Zolpidem Vitabalans increases if you take it less than 8 hours before activities requiring alertness, take a higher dose than recommended, or use it with other calming medicines, alcohol, or illicit drugs.
- Do not drink alcohol or use other psychoactive substances while taking Zolpidem Vitabalans, as these can increase its effects and impair your ability to drive or use machines.
Show 4 more warnings
- Treatment should be stopped gradually. Suddenly stopping can lead to a temporary syndrome where original symptoms return stronger, possibly with mood changes, anxiety, and restlessness.
- Zolpidem Vitabalans can cause memory loss; ensure you get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to reduce this risk.
- Zolpidem Vitabalans can cause behavioral side effects such as restlessness, agitation, irritability, aggression, delusions, rage, nightmares, hallucinations, psychosis, inappropriate behavior, and increased insomnia. It can also cause sleepwalking or other sleep behaviors like sleep-driving or preparing food while asleep, which you may not remember.
- Zolpidem Vitabalans can cause drowsiness and reduced awareness, which may lead to falls and serious injuries.
Use in Elderly Patients
Avoid use in older adults. Sedative. For short-term use only. The short-acting nature of the medicinal product increases the risk of adverse effects. Increases the risk of drug addiction, cognitive disorder and traffic accidents. Increases risk of falls. Paradoxically, may increase anxiety, restlessness and aggression. (updated 12.2.2024)