Zolpidem: risk of drowsiness and reduced driving ability

Taking zolpidem is associated with a risk of impaired driving ability the next day.

From:
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Published
11 December 2014
Therapeutic area:
Neurology

Article date: May 2014

Zolpidem (Edluar, Stilnoct) is used to treat insomnia. Taking zolpidem is associated with a risk of impaired driving ability the next day. To reduce this risk, advise patients:

  • to take 10 milligrams of zolpidem at bedtime and not to take it again the same night
  • not to drive, operate machinery, or work at heights until at least 8 hours after taking zolpidem
  • not to take zolpidem with alcohol, illicit drugs, or other central nervous system suppressants
  • not to drive, operate machinery or work at heights if they are still drowsy after taking Zolpidem

People with liver impairment and the elderly should take no more than 5 milligrams of zolpidem a night.

Further information

Advice to give to patients (106Kb)

European Medicines Agency announcement

Article citation: Drug Safety Update volume 7 issue 10, May 2014: S1

Updates to this page

Published 11 December 2014
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