Zolpidem (Ambien) is a medication that treats insomnia. It helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (sleeping problems). It belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These medicines will slow down the nervous system. Zolpidem will help you get to sleep faster and sleep throughout the night. 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. Ambien CR uses a two-layer tablet: one layer dissolves fast for sleep onset, and a second layer releases slowly to maintain blood levels for over 6 hours. In clinical trials, Ambien CR reduced nighttime awakenings for up to 5 hours after dosing, compared to 3 hours for the standard tablet. Detailed dosage guidelines and administration information for Ambien (zolpidem tartrate). Includes dose adjustments, warnings and precautions. As of September 2018, zolpidem is marketed under many brands, examples include: Ambien 5 mg & 10 mg (IR oral tablets), Ambien CR 6.25 mg & 12.5 mg (controlled release tablets), Edluar 5 mg & 10 mg (sublingual tablets), Intermezzo 1.75 mg & 3.5 mg (sublingual tablets), and ZolpiMist 5 mg (oral spray). [1][100][11] 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. Zolpidem (Ambien) is commonly used short-term to help treat insomnia. It can be used to help people fall asleep faster or help them wake up less times during the night. Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Ambien (zolpidem) affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia). Ambien is used to treat insomnia. The immediate-release tablet is used to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed.