Zolpimist (zolpidem oral spray) is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Zolpimist oral spray is used to for the short-term treatmen of insomnia. Zolpimist is used to help you fall asleep.
Zolpimist may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not share Zolpimist with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects.
In January 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lowered the recommended dose for zolpidem. If you have taken zolpidem in the past, your doctor may direct you to take a lower dose of this medicine than you did before.
Zolpimist may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Wait at least 4 hours or until you are fully awake before you do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Zolpimist and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.
Zolpimist may be habit forming. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Zolpimist may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Before taking this medicine
Some people using Zolpimist have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Zolpimist and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to zolpidem.
To make sure Zolpimist is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
-
kidney disease;
-
liver disease;
-
lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
-
sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
-
myasthenia gravis;
-
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Zolpimist may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share Zolpimist with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether zolpidem will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
Zolpidem can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The sedative effects of Zolpimist may be stronger in older adults.
Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years of age.
How should I take Zolpimist?
Use Zolpimist oral spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.
Spray Zolpimist directly into your mouth over your tongue. Prime the spray before the first use by pumping 5 test sprays into the air, away from your face. Prime the spray with 1 test spray if it has not been used for longer than 14 days.
Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Misuse of this medication can result in dangerous side effects.
Zolpimist comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Never take Zolpimist if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.
Zolpimist is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take this medicine for longer than 4 or 5 weeks without your doctor"s advice.
Do not stop using Zolpimist suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medicine.
Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking Zolpimist. These symptoms may seem to be even worse than before you started taking the medication. Call your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking Zolpimist.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the Zolpimist bottle upright when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Zolpimist is taken only at bedtime, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of zolpidem can be fatal when it is taken together with other medications that can cause drowsiness.
Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, confusion, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid?
Zolpimist may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Avoid taking Zolpimist during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep after taking Zolpimist.
Do not take this medicine if you have consumed alcohol during the day or just before bed.
Zolpimist side effects
Zolpimist may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking zolpidem and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Stop using Zolpimist and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling short of breath;
-
trouble breathing or swallowing; or
-
feeling like you might pass out.
Common Zolpimist side effects may include:
-
daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
-
tired feeling, loss of coordination;
-
stuffy nose, dry mouth, nose or throat irritation;
-
nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach; or
-
headache, muscle pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Zolpimist?
You may need a lower dose of Zolpimist if you take other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression, anxiety, or seizures). Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any of these medications.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Zolpimist, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Zolpimist, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
