What is Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) used for?

• Short-term treatment of insomnia - a condition that makes it hard to fall or stay asleep. In controlled clinical trials, Ambien has been shown to improve insomnia symptoms for up to 35 days.
• Middle of night awakening (Intermezzo only).

How does Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) work?

Ambien increases the activity of GABA. GABA is a brain chemical that promotes sleepiness. Increasing the amount of GABA helps improve insomnia. 
The immediate-release Ambien helps you fall asleep at bedtime. 
The extended-release formulation (Ambien CR) has two layers. The first layer dissolves immediately to help you fall asleep; the second layer dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep. 

What is the suggested dosing for Ambien (zolpidem tartrate)?

• Typical dosing for the immediate-release tablet (Ambien), sublingual tablet (Edluar), and the oral spray (Zolpimist)
• Women: 5 mg (one tablet or one spray) by mouth at bedtime
• Men: 5 mg (one tablet or one spray) by mouth at bedtime; if needed, may use 10 mg (two tablets or two sprays) by mouth at bedtime.
• Typical dosing for the extended-release tablet (Ambien CR):
• Women: 6.25 mg by mouth at bedtime
• Men: 6.25 mg by mouth at bedtime; if needed, may use 12.5 mg by mouth at bedtime, not to exceed 12.5 mg per day.
• Typical dosing for Intermezzo sublingual tablet:
• Women: 1.75 mg under the tongue as needed; not to exceed one dose per night
• Men: 3.5 mg under the tongue as needed; not to exceed one dose per night

The maximum daily dose is 10 mg for the immediate-release formulation (Ambien) and 12.5 mg for the extended-release one (Ambien CR). At the beginning of therapy, Ambien is initiated at the lowest effective dose. If the 5 mg dose is not effective, the dose can be increased to 10 mg. The recommended initial doses for women and men are different because zolpidem clearance is lower in women.