Highlights
- Ambien can be obtained only by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Online prescriptions for Ambien are legitimate as long as they are issued by a licensed healthcare professional who has conducted a detailed health assessment.
- Ambien has a boxed warning and is classified as a controlled substance, which means it carries specific risks. A medical professional may recommend alternative treatments based on a patient’s health history.
Brand name: Ambien
Generic name: zolpidem
Drug class: miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
Dosage forms: tablets
FDA-approved uses: insomnia
The National Health Interview Survey states that in 2020,
Read on to learn the answers and understand who can help you find insomnia treatment that is right for you.
Get assessed for insomnia and receive a personalized treatment plan online.
What Is Ambien (Zolpidem)?
Ambien is a brand name for
According to
Ambien is available as immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets. The immediate-release form is intended to help a person fall asleep more easily, while the extended-release form helps in both falling asleep and staying asleep for a longer period. Remember to discuss the onset of action with your healthcare provider and never exceed the prescribed dose.
Who Can Prescribe Ambien?
Ambien is a
In the US, the following licensed healthcare professionals can prescribe Ambien:
- Psychiatrists
- Medical Doctors (MD)
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Primary Care Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
Can You Get Ambien Prescribed Online?
It is possible to get a prescription for Ambien online
If prescribed, take Ambien following all the received instructions. Also, have regular follow-ups with your provider who can assess the safety of treatment, your health dynamics, and adjust the plan if necessary.
Go through an assessment online and learn what treatment for insomnia can help you best.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Who Qualifies for an Ambien Prescription?
Whether or not you need and can use Ambien to improve sleep depends on several factors. Your healthcare provider will evaluate all of them, with the key being:
- Diagnosis: Ambien is FDA-approved to treat insomnia, and one can get it prescribed for this condition.
- Contraindications: A history of substance abuse, known hypersensitivity to zolpidem, history of complex sleep behaviors, and some comorbid disorders show the need for choosing an alternative treatment. Also, the use of Ambien during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.
The only trustworthy way to learn if Ambien is the right treatment for you is to consult a healthcare professional.
Steps for Getting an Ambien Prescription
To obtain a prescription for Ambien—if it’s deemed an appropriate treatment option—it is typically necessary to go through the following steps:
- Schedule an appointment with a licensed healthcare provider. You can use MEDvidi telemedicine services for the evaluation and management of insomnia.
- Discuss your symptoms. The healthcare professional will need to learn more about your symptoms, medical history, and any prescription medications or dietary supplements you take.
- Get a treatment plan. After a detailed evaluation, your healthcare provider may request additional exams or testing. If those are not necessary, you’ll be provided with information about the available treatment options, which may include sleep medications, psychotherapy, or both. If your doctor decides that Ambien is a good choice, they will prescribe it for a specified period, and an e-prescription will be sent to a pharmacy.
- Fill out your prescription. Come to the pharmacy and provide your information to obtain the medication. Remember to schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to discuss the effectiveness of treatment and receive refills if needed.
Book an appointment with a healthcare professional specializing in insomnia treatment.
Ambien Cost
A supply of 30 5 mg tablets costs from $22,38 to $60.99, 10 mg tablets—$22,38 to $68,69. However, it is possible to buy it at a lower price with coupons. Also, many insurance plans cover a generic version, zolpidem, so it’s worth exploring these options and discussing them with your provider if you are looking for a more pocket-friendly alternative.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Getting Ambien?
It is generally not advised to request a particular medication because the final decision is still at the discretion of your healthcare provider. If you took Ambien before, share the details about the effectiveness of treatment, whether you had any side effects or withdrawal symptoms, and other aspects you find important. This information will help to select the right treatment this time.
If you don’t know what else is important to discuss to get the most appropriate treatment, consider these points:
- Explain your sleep problems. Tell your doctor about particular symptoms and if trouble sleeping affects your everyday life. The more information you provide, the better your clinician will understand your situation and needs.
- Describe your medical background. Tell them about any comorbid conditions and any medications you are taking, family history of sleep disorders, current stress factors, etc.
- Ask questions. Ask your healthcare provider about the possible adverse effects of using Ambien, the recommended dosage, any possible risks of long-term use, and beneficial self-help techniques for long-term results.
- Discuss further choices. Inquire about other possible treatment options if your doctor tells you that Ambien may not be the best choice for you.
Safety Measures
When providing you with a prescription, a healthcare provider will tell you about other important details to remember during your treatment course, such as:
- Pay careful attention to recommendations: never take Ambien for longer than suggested or in excess of the specified dosage.
- When taking Ambien, avoid consuming alcohol and using other sedatives.
- Prior to understanding how Ambien affects you, avoid operating machinery or vehicles.
- If you develop any serious side effects, such as disorientation, hallucinations, sleep eating, sleepwalking, or behavioral abnormalities, call your doctor immediately.
Side Effects of Ambien
Ambien may cause side effects in some people. Here are some common ones:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth or throat
- Memory problems
- Behavioral changes (agitation, confusion, hallucinations, illusions)
- Allergic reactions
Warnings and Precautions
- Ambien can cause complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving, which a patient doesn’t remember. If this happens, it’s crucial to discontinue Ambien and contact a medical provider.
- As a sedative-hypnotic, Ambien can cause psychomotor issues, especially if a patient has taken a tablet but not having 7 to 8 hours of sleep. In the case of drowsiness, longer reaction time, and sleepiness, it’s important to avoid operating machinery.
- Due to its sedative properties, it is possible to become
physically dependent[7] on Ambien, especially if it’s taken longer or on higher doses than prescribed. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly: fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and others.
Drug Interactions
Ambien interacts with CNS depressants, sertraline, fluoxetine, opioids, and some other medications. Using zolpidem together with alcohol also causes adverse effects.
In Conclusion
Ambien is a sleep medication that can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. It’s important to carefully follow the doctor’s recommendations and be aware of any potential adverse effects if Ambien is prescribed. Always follow the provider’s recommendations when taking Ambien, and only get it from an authorized pharmacy.
To see a medical professional online and learn whether Ambien can help you overcome insomnia, book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get Ambien without a prescription?
A legitimate prescription from a qualified healthcare provider is required to purchase Ambien. It cannot be bought over-the-counter (OTC) at any drugstore or online retailer in the United States. You need to get to a healthcare practitioner who can assess your symptoms and is authorized to prescribe Ambien.
Can you buy zolpidem online?
You can get zolpidem online in legitimate pharmacies if you have a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Can you ask your doctor for Ambien?
If you have trouble sleeping, discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider and share the details of your health history. If Ambien is considered to be the most appropriate treatment option for you, you’ll receive a prescription after the assessment.
Can I be prescribed Ambien while on Suboxone treatment?
Ambien and Suboxone have a
If you are currently taking or weaning off Suboxone, healthcare providers at MEDvidi can consider prescribing you Ambien only after obtaining the above-mentioned letter.
