Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Zolpidem is a prescription sedative-hypnotic medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, specifically difficulty falling asleep. It belongs to a class of drugs known as "Z-drugs" or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Zolpidem is sold under several brand names including Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo, and Zolpimist.
Zolpidem is intended for short-term use (typically 1–2 weeks) and should be taken immediately before bedtime when you have 7–8 hours available for sleep. It is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep medications in the United States.
Zolpidem works by selectively binding to the alpha-1 subunit of GABA-A receptors in the brain. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter — it slows down nerve activity. By enhancing GABA's effects at specific receptor sites, Zolpidem produces sedative and sleep-inducing effects without the broader muscle-relaxant and anti-anxiety effects of traditional benzodiazepines.
This selective binding is what makes Zolpidem a "non-benzodiazepine" hypnotic — it targets sleep pathways more precisely, which generally results in fewer side effects than older sedatives. The immediate-release formulation helps you fall asleep quickly, while the extended-release version (Ambien CR) has a second layer that dissolves slowly to help you stay asleep.
The FDA recommends lower starting doses for women (5 mg IR or 6.25 mg ER) due to slower metabolism of Zolpidem.
Zolpidem scores a 75 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it's generally available at most pharmacies. As a widely prescribed generic with multiple manufacturers, stock is usually adequate. However, because Zolpidem is a Schedule IV controlled substance, pharmacies may carry limited quantities and some patients report occasional difficulty filling prescriptions — especially for specific strengths or extended-release formulations. Intermittent manufacturer-level supply disruptions have occurred in the past, though no active FDA shortage exists as of early 2026.
If your local pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate a nearby pharmacy that has Zolpidem available right now.
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Zolpidem can be prescribed by any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with DEA prescribing authority. The most common prescribers include:
Zolpidem is also available via telehealth in many states, though regulations around prescribing controlled substances remotely vary by state. Some telehealth platforms can prescribe Zolpidem after an appropriate evaluation.
Yes. Zolpidem is classified as a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a recognized medical use but carries a risk of abuse and physical or psychological dependence. Schedule IV is a lower risk category than Schedule II drugs (like Adderall or Oxycodone) but still requires careful prescribing.
Because it's a controlled substance, Zolpidem prescriptions:
Patients should not stop Zolpidem abruptly after prolonged use, as withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Serious side effects to watch for:
If you experience any complex sleep behaviors, stop taking Zolpidem immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
If Zolpidem isn't available or isn't right for you, several alternatives exist:
Talk to your doctor about which alternative may be best for your situation.
Zolpidem can interact with several other medications. Always tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Zolpidem, as it may increase drug levels through CYP3A4 inhibition.
Zolpidem remains one of the most widely prescribed and effective short-term treatments for insomnia in 2026. With multiple generic manufacturers keeping prices low — often under $20 with a discount card — and broad insurance coverage as a Tier 1 generic, most patients can access this medication without difficulty.
While it's generally findable at most pharmacies, its status as a controlled substance means you may occasionally encounter stock limitations or prescription transfer restrictions. If your pharmacy is temporarily out, Medfinder can help you quickly locate a nearby pharmacy with Zolpidem in stock.
Always use Zolpidem exactly as prescribed, for the shortest duration needed, and be aware of the risk of complex sleep behaviors. Talk to your doctor if you have ongoing sleep issues that may benefit from a longer-term treatment approach.
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