Medicinecontrolled

Zolpidem

A sleeping pill used for short-term treatment of severe insomnia.

Clinical information

Common uses

short-term treatment of severe insomnia

Common side effects

bitter or metallic taste, or dry mouth
feeling sleepy or tired the next day
headaches
feeling dizzy
feeling or being sick

Cautions

short-term use only (up to 4 weeks) — your body can become dependent
do not drink alcohol while taking it
do not drive or use machinery if sleepy the next day
sleepwalking and doing things while asleep can happen

Interactions

alcohol — do not drink
drowsy antihistamines and other sedating medicines
medicines for depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or epilepsy
strong painkillers such as codeine, morphine or methadone
ciprofloxacin and antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
caffeine — stops zolpidem working

Pregnancy: not usually recommended in pregnancy

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/zolpidem (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Zolpidem	Tablet	10mg	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	controlled
Zolpidem	Tablet	5mg	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	controlled