zolpidem tartrate at a glance
Medicine class
Benzodiazepine-related hypnotic, often called a Z-drug.
Licensed use
Severe or debilitating insomnia in adults.
Administration
Take immediately before bed, exactly as prescribed.
Next-day alertness
Drowsiness and impaired driving can persist the next morning. Do not drive or use machinery if affected.
Dependence risk
Tolerance, dependence, addiction and withdrawal can occur.
What is zolpidem tartrate used for?
Selected products are licensed for insomnia in adults when it is debilitating or causing severe distress.
Severe insomnia that significantly affects wellbeing or daily functioning.
How does zolpidem tartrate work?
Zolpidem preferentially acts at GABA-A receptors containing the alpha-1 subunit. It strengthens inhibitory GABA signalling, reducing neuronal activity and producing a sedative effect that helps sleep begin.
zolpidem tartrate preparations and strengths
Dispersible tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg
How to take zolpidem tartrate
Take zolpidem exactly as prescribed, immediately before bed and only when able to have an uninterrupted night's sleep. Avoid alcohol and do not take additional sedating remedies unless approved by a clinician.
Swallow standard film-coated tablets whole with water.
Place Zalzo orodispersible tablets on the tongue and allow them to disperse before swallowing; water is optional.
It may be taken with or without food.
zolpidem tartrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness or tiredness the next day
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Nightmares, agitation or hallucinations
- Memory or concentration problems
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Markedly slowed breathing or reduced consciousness
- Sleepwalking, sleep-driving or other activities while not fully awake
- Severe confusion, aggression, delusions or major behavioural change
- Falls or serious injury, especially in older people
zolpidem tartrate in pregnancy
Zolpidem is not usually recommended during pregnancy, although it may occasionally be considered for severe insomnia when other approaches have failed. Use near delivery can cause newborn drowsiness, breathing or feeding problems, low muscle tone or withdrawal. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive with the prescriber.
zolpidem tartrate while breastfeeding
Small amounts pass into breast milk. Zolpidem can be used cautiously for a healthy, full-term breastfed infant when clinically appropriate, with monitoring for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, slowed breathing or poor weight gain. Avoid bed-sharing after taking a sedating medicine.
zolpidem tartrate interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Alcohol
Increases sedation, impaired coordination, next-day driving impairment and the risk of complex sleep behaviours; avoid combining them.
Opioids
Additive central nervous system depression can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death.
Common questions about zolpidem tartrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can zolpidem tartrate affect driving the next morning?
Yes. Drowsiness, slower reactions, dizziness, blurred vision and reduced alertness may persist. Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery unless fully alert.
Can zolpidem tartrate cause dependence or addiction?
Yes. Dependence, addiction and tolerance can occur, particularly with prolonged or inappropriate use.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.