Ambien has a
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, extended-release tablets, capsules (generic only)
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.
What Is Ambien (Zolpidem)?
Ambien contains the active ingredient
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.
- The extended-release form helps in both falling asleep and staying asleep for a longer period.
The generic zolpidem is also available as a capsule.
Remember to discuss the onset of action with your healthcare provider, how long you should take the medicine, and never take more than the prescribed dose.
Who Can Prescribe Ambien?
Ambien is a
In the US, the following licensed healthcare professionals who may be able to prescribe Ambien include:
- Psychiatrists
- Medical Doctors (MD)
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Primary Care Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse Practitioners (NP)
- Physician Assistants (PA)
The specific types of providers who can prescribe Ambien may vary from state to state.
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.
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 or other similar medicines, history of complex sleep behaviors, and your individual health history. It’s important to note that 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 get prescribed Ambien — if it’s deemed an appropriate treatment option — it is 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 treatment of insomnia online.
- Discuss your symptoms. The healthcare provider will need to learn more about your symptoms, medical history, and any prescription medications or dietary supplements you take. Your healthcare provider may also request additional exams or testing.
- Get a treatment plan. After a detailed evaluation, you’ll be provided with information about the available treatment options, which may include sleep medications, psychotherapy, or both. If your healthcare provider 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.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Ambien Cost
A supply of thirty 5 mg Ambien tablets costs from around $747 to $816. The same supply of generic zolpidem costs from around $24 to $61. Both brand and generic versions are available at lower prices if you use 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 option.
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 healthcare provider 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, 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[7] , and beneficial self-help techniques for long-term sleep improvement. - Discuss further choices. Inquire about other possible treatment options if your doctor tells you that Ambien may not be the best choice for you.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your insomnia symptoms. Ambien is intended to be used as a short-term treatment for insomnia. It is usually only used for a few weeks. If you need long-term insomnia treatment, your healthcare provider can help to determine what medicine would be safe 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.
- While taking Ambien, avoid operating machinery or vehicles.
- Seek immediate medical help if you develop serious side effects, such as disorientation, hallucinations, sleep eating, sleepwalking, or behavioral abnormalities.
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
Some possibly serious side effects may include:
- Allergic reactions, including severe anaphylactic reactions
- Complex sleep behaviors that can include sleep-walking and sleep-driving
- Central nervous system (CNS) depression that can cause thinking and coordination issues the next day after taking Ambien
- Confusion, abnormal thinking, and changes in behavior such as increased aggression
- Difficulty breathing, including shortness of breath
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Dependence and addiction
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about all possible side effects and your healthy history.
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 someone did not get 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking the medicine. It’s important to avoid driving or operating machinery during the course of treatment with Ambien. It’s possible it could cause drowsiness, longer reaction time, or sleepiness that could make it dangerous to do these activities.
- Due to its sedative properties, it is possible to become
physically dependent[8] on Ambien, especially if it’s taken longer or at higher doses than prescribed or taken for a long time. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. These symptoms can include fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and others. - If you have certain health problems, such as liver issues or depression, you may not be able to take Ambien or you may need additional monitoring to make sure it is safe for you. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about your health history and all of the medications, herbs, and supplements you take.
- Ambien can cause withdrawal effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about how often you should take Ambien, and what you should do if you want to stop taking the medicine. Also, be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for how often and how much Ambien you should take.
Drug Interactions
Ambien interacts with CNS depressants, sertraline, fluoxetine, opioids, and some
It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs, or supplements you take. This will allow them to make sure that Ambien is safe for you.
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 you get Ambien prescribed online at MEDvidi, you’ll get detailed instructions and plan follow-ups to monitor your response to treatment.
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?
Can you buy Ambien (zolpidem) online?
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.
What doctor can prescribe Ambien?
Can an online psychiatrist prescribe Ambien?
Can you get Ambien for a flight?
Ambien is generally not recommended for flights for several reasons. An individual should be able to sleep 7 to 8 hours after taking Ambien. There is also a risk of experiencing dangerous side effects including complex sleep reactions that can be difficult to manage on an airplane. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss the best option if you are hoping to get help with sleeping on a flight.
