Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Zolpidem as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Zolpidem use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with zolpidem, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Zolpidem use on empty stomach can sometimes result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Zolpidem use can also result in compromised appetite occasionally. Taking zolpidem with a small snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication. But, be aware that taking zolpidem with some food can reduce the absorption of zolpidem and thereby, delay the onset of action and sleep induction, thus compromising the therapeutic benefit of zolpidem intake.
- Zolpidem intake can occasionally induce dry mouth. Observing compliance with hydration measures and sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth.
