Zolpidem (Ambien) is a medication that treats insomnia. It helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Ambien overdose can be dangerous. Learn the warning signs, effects, and what to do with guidance from Avenues Recovery. Learn how Ambien works for insomnia, its benefits, side effects, and safer alternatives. A must-read guide for anyone using or considering Ambien. Ambien (Zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic (sleep) medicine. AMBIEN is used in adults for the short-term treatment of a sleep problem called insomnia. Learn about side effects, dosage, interactions, and warning. Learn about zolpidem usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Find patient medical information for Zolpidem (Ambien) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Ambien typically kicks in within 30 minutes, but food, age, sex, and formulation all affect how quickly you feel it. Ambien (zolpidem) is a prescription sedative used to treat insomnia, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep with immediate and extended-release options. Description Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping). It belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slows down the nervous system. Zolpidem will help you get to sleep faster and sleep throughout the night. In most cases, sleep medicines should only be used for short periods of time, such as 1 or 2 days, and for no longer than 1 or 2. Zolpidem, sold under the brand name Ambien among others, is a medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of sleeping problems. [12][19] Guidelines recommend that it be used only after cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and after behavioral changes, such as sleep hygiene, have been tried. [20][21][22] It decreases the time to.