Zolpidem is typically an oral spray or tablet that is used primarily to treat sleeping disorders like insomnia, though it can also be used to treat other brain disorders. While the Zolpidem side effects are typically minor and very uncommon, there is a list of different side effects that can occur when using this medication. Most of them will go away on their own without needing to call a physician, while others may require an immediate trip to the hospital to avoid organ problems or even death. This article will show you the different side effects, and what you should do if you experience them.
Common Side Effects
These are the most common side effects that occurred in about 20% or less of all patients during clinical trials. Most of these side effects are minor and annoying, but they should not warrant an immediate call to your physician. However, if the side effects worsen significantly or donít go away within a week or so, then you should consider getting a different medication or having your dosage changed.
Most of the common side effects are gastrointestinal. These include diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, an upset stomach and throat and nose irritation. These effects are very slight in most cases, with the worst being diarrhea.
The other side effects cause dizziness, both daytime and nighttime drowsiness, light-headedness, muscular weakness and minor headaches. The worst one here is daytime drowsiness. If your job involves driving or working on equipment, then you should speak with a physician immediately before you cause an accident or lose your job. Otherwise, see if these side effects go away on their own.
Severe Side Effects
There are the more severe side effects, and you should immediately speak with a physician if you experience any of these. Just like above, most of these side effects are either gastrointestinal or they deal with the nervous system.
Allergic reactions are also possible. Zolpidem may cause you to swell, vomit, have hives or a rash or your throat can close up. These allergic reactions can be very severe, and you should stop taking Zolpidem immediately because the effects will only get worse if you take it again. Call a physician immediately to have your prescription changed.
You may also experience abnormal thinking, behavioral changes, confusion, problems with coordination, severe memory problems, depression (either new or worsening), severe dizziness and suicidal thoughts. Other side effects can include hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and mood changes.
Gastrointestinal problems include difficulty swallowing, mild to moderate vomiting and severe nausea.
There are also a few cardiovascular problems to be worried about when taking Zolpidem. You may experience an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath and pain in your heart or lung area.
Other Zolpidem Side Effects
These side effects occur if Zolpidem is administered through any method other than a spray or tablet. Some healthcare professionals use other administration methods in hospitals, and you will usually be monitored while taking this medication. However, you still need to tell a physician if you experience any of the following side effects.
The nervous system can be affected through hallucinations, general confusion, visual disturbances, headaches and feeling lightheaded. If you are given Zolpidem over a prolonged amount of time with a high dosage, then you may experience both withdrawal symptoms and seizures. These effects are severe, but will typically go away after you stop using Zolpidem.
Gastrointestinal problems with these administration methods include slight vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. Some people who have used Zolpidem also experienced anorexia afterwards, but this is very common and tends to be caused by a variety of other conditions and issues that may have nothing to do with the medication.
There have also been some rare cases of hypersensitivity. This typically affects the tongue and larynx, but others have also experienced it in their stomach. These Zolpidem side effects typically occur before you have an allergic response, so tell someone immediately if you experience any hypersensitivity.
Withdrawal can also occur, though Zolpidem is rarely known to be habit forming. If you find that you are experiencing restlessness after your insomnia has been cured, uncontrollable agitation, anxiety or depression after you stop taking Zolpidem, then talk with a physician.
The rarest Zolpidem side effect is sleep driving, or driving while you are technically asleep. This is a very rare case, but it is still worth mentioning. If you find this has happened to you, then get your prescription changed immediately so that it never happens again.
