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. It's not likely you'll become dependent on zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar). Zolpidem and sleep medicines like it, such as eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zaleplon (Sonata), can be effective. They're much less likely to be habit-forming than some other medicines that may be prescribed for sleep problems. Zolpidem (Ambien) is a medication that treats insomnia. It helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. 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. Ambien (zolpidem) is not a benzo (benzodiazepine), it is unique in its action and does not resemble benzodiazepines or barbiturates at all. But it does work similarly. Both benzodiazepines and Ambien are thought to enhance the effects of a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. 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. 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] 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 (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. Read this Ambien dosage guide with information on available forms of zolpidem, typical and maximum dosages, adjustments for health conditions, and more.