Ambien (Zolpidem) for the Treatment of Insomnia

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Ambien (Zolpidem) a sedative that is FDA approved for insomnia. Ambien has abuse potential and is a controlled substance, and should only be taken under the direct supervision of a medical provider, after thorough consent and discussion of risks and benefits. Treatment with Ambien should be short-term when possible, and individuals should only take the lowest effective dose. Additionally, individuals may benefit from considering non-benzodiazepine or non-benzodiazepine derivative medications before a trial with a medication like Ambien (Zolpidem). Some notable side effects with Ambien (Zolpidem) include sleep walking (which can be very dangerous), excessive sedation, incoordination, respiratory depression, tolerance, physiological dependence and others. Individuals should not combine alcohol with zolpidem.

Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.

These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.

Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

If you are researching a specific topic, please view our Youtube channel, click all videos and use the search function. Please also visit and follow us on instagram and FB: @RittenhousePsych.

www.RittenhousePA.com
www.ChrisPagnaniMD.com

[williamcox]

Been using ambien for over 15 years every night 10mg IR. Still, works perfectly for me and have never had a issue with it. Just glad to be able to sleep thanks for the video !

[nikizzard]

4 yrs ambien free. If you need this medication longer than 3-5 days try to get to the root of why you can't sleep. You're not alone. 💓

[MidwestLori]

In my experience it knocks me out in under 15mins. Sometimes faster. But I only sleep for 2.5 to 3hours. I've also had an hour long phone conversation with someone and had absolutely no recollection of it. Only knew it happened because I saw it in my call log. I've done some sleep eating in it also. Never left my home or tried to do anything scary like driving. But I know it is a possibility.

[GhadaA]

When I use this medicine I literally go on an online shopping spree and wake up having 0 recollection! But it's the best medicine for my insomnia and I tried ALOT with my doctor

[jacquestone]

My doctor has had to prescribe me several different medications for sleep. None have worked so far. Tonight i try Ambien for the first time. Im a little nervous but at this point i feel i have no choice.

[bluewavefilmsandmusic]

I have found that RX to be very very addictive and Incredibly dangerous

[NerfMe-yy]

I’m taking ambien 5mg/seroquel 100m and I still struggle to sleep

[strongsick]

At this point I dont care if its addictive I was taking seroquel for 15 years or more its not addictive quote unquote but I took it everyday might as well be addicting and now I have some lovely side effects from it that might never go away .

[anuradhaacharya]

Im on zolpidem ? melatonin a good alternative ???😊

[thomaslau]

Stilnox lasts for a very short time. I prefer one that can give me longer time of sleep.

[BuddyWhite]

I used to sleep eat all the time done it since I was a kid but since I started ambien I haven’t once it works great for me but that said everyone reacts differently

[peterwitting]

The amino acid, GABA has this effect also. But not as potent it seems. Any who have experience with these compounds?

[joemilazzo]

Is there a sleeping pill that knocks you out