What Are the Strengths of Ambien?

Ambien, which is also known by its generic name zolpidem, is a prescription drug that works as a sedative for people who have difficulty falling asleep. Stronger than over-the-counter sleep aids, Ambien can help people relax at night by targeting the chemicals in the brain that cause insomnia.

Alleviation of Insomnia

• Ambien is particularly effective at combating insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep. In particular, Ambien alters the chemicals in your brain which cause insomnia. This leads to a sensation of tiredness and a better night's sleep.

Relaxation

• In addition, Ambien works to relax the entire body, and is especially helpful for people who struggle to slow down and shut off their minds and bodies when they get into bed at night. It can provide a sense of ease, relaxation and even wooziness (which is why it should only be taken at night and never before driving).

Vivid Dreams

• Many Ambien takers have also reported especially vivid and colorful dreams after taking the medication; depending on the individual, this can be considered a positive or a negative aspect of Ambien.

Other Conditions

• While Ambien has only been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of insomnia, several clinical trials with other conditions have had successful results. In particular, Ambien has shown promising outcomes for bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, postpartum depression and sleep apnea, among other conditions. However, Ambien is still primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.