Ambien: Is dependence a concern?

It's not likely you'll become dependent on zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar). Zolpidem and sleep medicines like it, such as eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zaleplon (Sonata), can be effective. They're much less likely to be habit-forming than some other medicines that may be prescribed for sleep problems. These include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan, Loreev XR) and temazepam (Restoril).

But zolpidem can have concerning side effects. For example, some people who take zolpidem or medicines like it do things while asleep that they don't remember, such as driving or eating food. Because they're not awake, these are dangerous behaviors.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that you avoid driving or doing activities that need full mental alertness the day after taking zolpidem. You may still have some effects from the sleep medicine, especially if you take an extended-release form. Rarely, the sleep medicine may trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Sleep medicines can be useful in the short term. But they usually aren't the best long-term solution for insomnia. Medicines can mask an underlying problem that needs treatment.

The best approach is to talk with a healthcare professional to try to find out what's causing your sleep problems. Then take steps to improve your sleep. That may include learning new sleep habits, such as keeping your bedtime and wake time the same each day, and using stress-lowering skills. Counseling for anxiety or other mental health concerns can help too.

• Sleep guidelines
• Antihistamines for insomnia