Zolpidem is a medicine intended for the treatment of insomnia. Insomnia is characterized by an inability to fall and stay asleep for a period of time sufficient to have some rest. As a result of insomnia you can wake up not feeling refreshed and well rested in the morning. You may be prescribed a regular tablet or an extended-release tablet of zolpidem. The first one is intended for people that have trouble falling asleep, while the extended-release form has two layers. The first layer dissolves allowing you to go to sleep, while the second one helps you to stay asleep without waking up in the middle of the night. Before you start taking zolpidem, talking to your doctor is recommended. You are supposed to tell the doctor about any health conditions you have ever been diagnosed with, especially if you still have them, including lung disease, suicidal thoughts, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, depression, mental illness, sleep apnea, a history of drug or alcohol addiction, or kidney disease, as these diseases and states can affect the dose you are prescribed and whether you will be recommended to take zolpidem regularly or as needed. Make sure you listen to the instructions of your doctor very carefully to get the most benefits of your treatment without suffering from any side effects. Never take zolpidem for longer than recommended, as you can develop an addiction. If you have been taking zolpidem for a very long time regularly, it may not be easy to stop taking it, as you are likely to experience some withdrawal symptoms that can be quite unpleasant. The following symptoms can be experienced if you do not talk to your health care provider before stopping your treatment: nausea, seizure, vomiting, behavior changes, panic, anxiety, sweating, muscle cramps, and stomach pain. Gradual withdrawal is the best way to stop taking zolpidem, as this way you will be able to avoid the unpleasant symptoms mentioned. If you are also taking any other medications that may potentially interfere with the efficiency of zolpidem, make sure your health care provider is aware of them. The following medications are supposed to be mentioned: chlorpromazine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, antidepressants, and rifampin. There are some other drugs that can cause interference with zolpidem, and you have to make sure your doctor is aware of the fact you are taking them as well, since all those factors can influence the way your treatment is going to be.