Ambien dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes Ambien’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Ambien. If you want to know more about Ambien, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Ambien is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in a generic version called zolpidem. Ambien is also available as an extended-release oral tablet called Ambien CR. This form of Ambien is available in a generic version called zolpidem extended-release. (Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.)

Note: This article focuses on Ambien. However, the information presented here also applies to Ambien CR unless otherwise noted.

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Boxed warning: Risk of unusual sleep behaviors

Ambien has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Forms and strengths of Ambien

Ambien comes as follows:

• Form: tablet that you swallow
• Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg

Ambien CR comes as follows:

• Form: tablet that you swallow
• Strengths: 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg

Dosage of Ambien

This article describes the recommended dosages for Ambien. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Ambien without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Ambien in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Ambien. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Ambien that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage of Ambien

The recommended dosage of Ambien for insomnia (trouble sleeping) is:

• Starting dosage:
  • Females: 5 mg once per night right before bedtime
  • Males: 5 mg or 10 mg once per night right before bedtime
• Maximum dosage: 10 mg per night

Dosage of Ambien CR

The recommended dosage of Ambien CR for insomnia is:

• Starting dosage:
  • Females: 6.25 mg once per night right before bedtime
  • Males: 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg once per night right before bedtime
• Maximum dosage: 12.5 mg per night

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Dosage adjustments for Ambien

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Ambien based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have
• your sex assigned at birth
• other medications you may take
• the form of Ambien you’re prescribed

Missed dose of Ambien

If your doctor prescribes Ambien, you’ll take it once per night right before bedtime. Only take a dose of Ambien if you plan to sleep for at least 7–8 hours. Taking Ambien when you won’t be able to get 7–8 hours of sleep can increase your risk of side effects, such as next-day drowsiness.

For this reason, if you miss a dose of Ambien, it’s typically recommended to skip the dose.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Ambien and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

• downloading a reminder app on your phone
• setting an alarm
• putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Ambien and its dosage.

Is it safe to take two 10-mg Ambien oral tablets for a 20-mg dosage?

No. The maximum recommended dosage of Ambien is 10 mg per night. Taking a higher-than-recommended dosage of Ambien can increase your risk of serious side effects, including:

• unusual sleep behavior
• impaired focus and coordination
• excessive sleepiness
• depression

If you have questions about your dosage of Ambien, talk with your doctor.

How does the dose of Ambien in females compare with the dose of the drug in males?

The recommended starting dosage of Ambien depends on your sex assigned at birth.

Doctors typically prescribe a lower starting dosage for females than males. The reason for this is because females tend to clear Ambien from their bodies more slowly. And having higher levels of Ambien in your body may increase the risk of side effects.

The following table shows the recommended starting dosages of Ambien in females and males.

If you have questions about what the right dosage of Ambien is for you, talk with your doctor.

Is Ambien taken long term?

Maybe. It’s not recommended to take Ambien for a long period of time. In studies, Ambien was shown to be effective for up to 35 days.

Doctors typically prescribe Ambien CR for the shortest amount of time possible. However, in some cases, you may need long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take Ambien or Ambien CR, talk with your doctor.

How Ambien is taken

You’ll swallow Ambien once per night right before bedtime. Avoid taking it with or right after a meal. Taking it on an empty stomach can help you fall asleep faster.

Only take Ambien if you can sleep at least 7–8 hours. Do not take Ambien if you’ve had an alcoholic drink that evening.

The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether Ambien tablets can be cut, crushed, or chewed. The tablets are meant to be swallowed whole.

Ambien CR tablets should not be crushed, split, or chewed. Doing so can affect how the medication works. It’s important to swallow Ambien CR tablets whole.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Ambien coupon

Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Ambien or Ambien CR when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Overdose of Ambien

It’s important that you do not take more Ambien than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Ambien overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• excessive sleepiness
• slowed breathing
• heart problems
• coma

In some cases, an overdose may lead to death.

What to do if you take too much Ambien

If you think you’ve taken too much Ambien, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Ambien. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Ambien without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Ambien exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How long will I take Ambien?
• Will my dosage need to change if I take other drugs while I’m taking Ambien?
• Will a higher dosage increase my risk of side effects?

Boxed warning for Ambien

Ambien has a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking Ambien can cause unusual sleep behaviors. These may include sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other activities such as preparing or eating food and making phone calls while you’re asleep.

Because these behaviors can occur while you’re not fully awake, they can put you or others at risk of serious injury or death. If you experience any unusual sleep behaviors while you’re taking Ambien, report it to your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking this medication.                                                                                  

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.