Ambien CR Dosage

Dosage in Adults

Use the lowest effective dose for the patient. The recommended initial dose is 6.25 mg for women and either 6.25 or 12.5 mg for men, taken only once per night immediately before bedtime with at least 7–8 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. If the 6.25 mg dose is not effective, the dose can be increased to 12.5 mg. In some patients, the higher morning blood levels following use of the 12.5 mg dose increase the risk of next-day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. The total dose of AMBIEN CR should not exceed 12.5 mg once daily immediately before bedtime. AMBIEN CR should be taken as a single dose and should not be readministered during the same night.

The recommended initial doses for women and men are different because zolpidem clearance is lower in women.

​Treatment with AMBIEN CR should be as short as possible. Extended treatment should not take place without re-evaluation of the patient's status, since the risk of abuse and dependence increases with duration of treatment [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

Special Populations

Elderly or debilitated patients may be especially sensitive to the effects of zolpidem tartrate. The recommended dose of AMBIEN CR in these patients is 6.25 mg once daily immediately before bedtime [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment do not clear the drug as rapidly as normal subjects. The recommended dose of AMBIEN CR in these patients is 6.25 mg once daily immediately before bedtime. Avoid AMBIEN CR use in patients with severe hepatic impairment as it may contribute to encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Use in Specific Populations (8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Use with CNS Depressants

Dosage adjustment may be necessary when AMBIEN CR is combined with other CNS-depressant drugs because of the potentially additive effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.7)].

Administration

AMBIEN CR extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole, and not be divided, crushed, or chewed. The effect of AMBIEN CR may be slowed by ingestion with or immediately after a meal.