If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, this is something you should certainly talk to your doctor about. They may initially suggest that you take an over-the-counter sleep aid. If this does not work, then you might be given the option of taking a more powerful prescription sleep aid called zolpidem tartrate. But as your doctor will probably explain, there are both pros and cons of taking this medication, and you should consider both sides in making your decision.

Pros of Taking Zolpidem Tartrate

It's effective. This medication is much more effective at encouraging sleep than most over-the-counter sleep drugs. It works by binding to certain receptors in the brain associated with sleep. It is rare for someone to take zolpidem tartrate and not be able to fall asleep. You won't be laying there wondering if it will work as you might after taking an OTC medication or herbal supplement.

There's a low to moderate risk of dependency. Most drugs have some risk of dependency, and zolpidem tartrate is no exception. In terms of sleep aids, however, it is not as addicting as most. Your doctor will probably tell you to only take the medication for a certain number of nights in a row, and this will help prevent dependency. As long as you follow the instructions, you should be just fine. Often, once you take the medication for a few weeks and your body gets used to sleeping again, you will be able to wean yourself off of it and sleep better.

Cons of Taking Zolpidem Tartrate

Some patients have unwanted side effects. Many people take zolpidem tartrate and don't experience any serious side effects. However, there is a risk of side effects like memory changes, sleepwalking, and hallucinations. If you've been prone to sleepwalking in the past or already struggle with memory, this may not be the best sleep aid for you.

You can't take the drug with anti-anxiety medications or some allergy medications. Zolpidem tartrate can interact negatively with a lot of anti-anxiety medications and allergy pills. If you take either of these medications, you should let your doctor know; they can recommend a different sleeping medication instead.

Zolpidem tartrate is a very effective sleep aid that has helped many patients with insomnia. However, it's not for everyone. Talk to your doctor about this and other sleep medicine options that may work well for you.