Teva Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg Tablets: Strong Sleeping Tablets UK Guide
Zolpidem tartrate 10mg is a prescription-only hypnotic medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults when sleep problems are debilitating or causing severe distress. It belongs to the group of medicines commonly known as Z-drugs and works through the GABA-A receptor system to produce sedative and sleep-promoting effects. Current UK prescribing information identifies 10mg as the recommended adult daily dose, although a lower 5mg dose may be appropriate for some people.
Zolpidem is intended for short-term use because the body can become accustomed to it and continued treatment can increase the risk of dependence, addiction and withdrawal symptoms. It can help reduce the time needed to fall asleep and may reduce night-time awakenings, but it does not treat the underlying cause of persistent insomnia.
What Is Teva Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg Used For?
- Short-Term Insomnia: Zolpidem is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults when the condition is debilitating or causing severe distress.
- Difficulty Falling Asleep: Zolpidem can help reduce sleep latency, making it easier to fall asleep after going to bed.
- Night-Time Awakenings: It may reduce the number of awakenings during the night and help improve sleep continuity.
- Sleep Disturbance: Zolpidem may be prescribed when significant sleep difficulties are affecting everyday wellbeing and require short-term hypnotic treatment.
How Does Teva Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg Work?
Zolpidem is an imidazopyridine hypnotic that acts selectively on the omega-1 subtype of the GABA-A receptor complex. GABA is a naturally occurring chemical messenger that reduces activity in the central nervous system. By enhancing the effects of GABA at these receptors, zolpidem produces a calming and sedative effect that promotes sleep. Zolpidem is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and generally begins to work at around 30 minutes, although the timing can vary between individuals. It is intended to be taken immediately before bedtime when the person is ready to sleep.
How to Take Teva Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg
- Follow Your Prescription: Take zolpidem exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not increase the dose without medical advice.
- Usual Adult Dose: The recommended daily dose for adults is 10mg, taken immediately at bedtime. The lowest effective dose should be used and the maximum recommended daily dose is 10mg.
- Single Nightly Dose: Take zolpidem as a single dose and do not take another dose during the same night.
- Bedtime Administration: Take the tablet immediately before going to bed, when you can remain in bed and have sufficient time available for sleep.
- With or Without Food: Zolpidem can be taken with or without food. It should not be presented as requiring an empty stomach.
- Swallow Whole: Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.
- Lower Dose: People aged 65 or over and some people with liver or kidney problems may be started on 5mg rather than 10mg. Severe hepatic impairment is a contraindication.
- Treatment Duration: Zolpidem should be used for the shortest possible period and treatment should not normally exceed 4 weeks, including the period used for tapering.
Teva Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg Side Effects
Zolpidem can cause sedation and reduced alertness, particularly when treatment is first started. Common effects include daytime sleepiness, dizziness and a metallic or dry taste in the mouth. Some people may also experience impaired coordination or memory problems.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Indigestion
- Memory problems
- Reduced alertness
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Metallic or altered taste
- Coordination difficulties
- Blurred or abnormal vision
Sleep-related behaviours can occur with zolpidem, including sleepwalking or carrying out activities while not fully awake and subsequently having no memory of them. If this happens, stop taking zolpidem and contact your doctor for advice.
Important Warnings and Precautions
- Dependence and Addiction: Zolpidem can cause dependence, particularly when used for longer than recommended or at higher doses. Treatment should therefore be kept as short as possible.
- Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking zolpidem. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects and may result in excessively deep sleep and difficulty waking.
- Other Sedatives: Combining zolpidem with other central nervous system depressants, including opioid painkillers, other hypnotics, sedatives and some psychiatric medicines, can increase central nervous system depression and may increase the risk of breathing difficulties.
- Breathing Problems: Zolpidem should not be used in people with acute or severe respiratory depression or obstructive sleep apnoea. Tell your doctor about any existing breathing disorder before treatment.
- Liver Problems: People with liver impairment may require a lower starting dose, while zolpidem must not be used in severe hepatic impairment.
- Driving and Alertness: Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or less alert after taking zolpidem. Some people may still experience next-day impairment.
- Complex Sleep Behaviours: Sleepwalking, preparing food, making phone calls or other activities while not fully awake have been reported. The risk may be increased by alcohol or certain other medicines.
- Other Medicines: Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, particularly sedatives, opioid painkillers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, other sleeping tablets and medicines affecting the central nervous system.
Stopping Teva Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg Treatment
Zolpidem should not normally be stopped suddenly after prolonged or regular use. Withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia can occur, particularly when treatment has continued beyond the recommended short-term period. Your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the dose when stopping treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does zolpidem 10mg take to work?
Zolpidem generally begins to work in around 30 minutes. It should be taken immediately before bedtime when you are ready to sleep and have enough time available for rest.
Is 10mg the standard adult dose of zolpidem?
Yes. Current UK prescribing information lists 10mg as the recommended daily dose for adults, with a lower 5mg dose recommended for some older or medically vulnerable patients. The dose should never exceed 10mg per day.
Can I take zolpidem 10mg with food?
Yes. Zolpidem can be taken with or without food. It should be taken immediately before bedtime rather than being treated as a medication that must always be taken on an empty stomach.
Can I drink alcohol while taking zolpidem?
No. Alcohol should be avoided because it can increase zolpidem’s sedative effects and may make it difficult to wake or breathe normally.
How long can I take zolpidem 10mg?
Zolpidem is intended for short-term treatment. It is usually prescribed for a few days to a few weeks and should not normally be used for longer than 4 weeks, including the tapering period.
Can I stop taking zolpidem 10mg suddenly?
If you have been taking zolpidem regularly for longer than a short period, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia. Speak to your doctor about gradually reducing the medication when treatment ends.
