Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic: it can increase the availability of certain chemicals in your brain that induce sleepiness.
It is therefore a common medicine used to manage short-term insomnia.
Zolpidem can be taken by mouth as conventional tablets or modified-release tablets. The adult dose of conventional tablets is 5-10 mg daily at bedtime for a maximum of 4 weeks. Use the lowest possible dose, and do not repeat a dose if you wake up during the night. If you are taking modified-release tablets (Stilnox CR), you should swallow the tablets whole and do not chew or crush them. The usual dose for modified-release tablets is 6.25-12.5 mg daily at bedtime.
Common side effects of Zolpidem include temporary memory loss, anxiety, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, hallucination, and headache. There have been rare reports of injury because of complex sleep behaviours, including sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Zolpidem may interact:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Zolpidem is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Zolpidem in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!