Ambien Dosages for Sleep: Your GoodRx Guide

If you’re dealing with insomnia (trouble sleeping) and sleep hygiene tips haven’t worked, there are medications that may help you get a good night’s rest. Ambien (zolpidem) is one of the most common prescription sleep medications. It’s FDA approved for treating insomnia in adults who have trouble falling asleep.

But as a controlled substance, Ambien carries a risk of dependence and misuse. Because of this, it’s recommended to only take it for a short period of time. Taking Ambien exactly as prescribed can help reduce these risks, too.

Your prescriber will give you specific instructions related to your Ambien dosage. But it helps to understand typical and maximum Ambien dosages, how and when to take the medication, and what to do if you miss a dose.

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Ambien dosage forms

Zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, is available in several different dosage forms. These include:

• Immediate-release (IR) tablets (Ambien), which come in 5 mg and 10 mg doses

• IR capsules, which come in a 7.5 mg dose

• Extended-release tablets (Ambien CR), which come in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg doses

• Sublingual tablets (Edluar), which come in 5 mg and 10 mg doses

All of these dosage forms should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption. Taking Ambien with or right after a high-fat meal can delay the medication’s effects. Other tips for taking Ambien include:

• Take it immediately before bedtime. Take your dose when you’re ready to go to sleep.

• Allow enough time for sleep. Allow at least 7 to 8 hours for sleep after taking a dose to minimize next-day drowsiness.

• Avoid alcohol. Avoid combining Ambien with alcohol and other sedatives. This can increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness. Plus, alcohol can also negatively affect sleep.

• Avoid activities that could be dangerous. After taking Ambien, don’t drive or perform tasks that can be dangerous if you’re drowsy. It’s also a good idea to see how the medication makes you feel the next morning before performing these tasks in the daytime.

No matter the form, it’s recommended to take Ambien for the shortest amount of time possible. That’s because you can develop a dependence on Ambien and experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it abruptly. There’s also a risk of misuse, especially if you don’t take it as prescribed.

What’s the typical Ambien dosage for adults?

The typical Ambien dosage for adults depends on a few factors, including which form is being taken.

Your prescriber will determine which dosage form is best for your needs. Ambien IR can be a good option if you have trouble falling asleep but don’t have issues staying asleep. Edluar is a faster-acting alternative that you dissolve under your tongue. Ambien CR has longer-lasting effects, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.

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Dosage for Ambien IR tablets and capsules

The typical Ambien IR dosage for adults is 5 mg to 10 mg once per night right before bedtime. The recommended starting dose for men is 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg, while the starting dose for women is usually 5 mg. The maximum dosage of Ambien IR is 10 mg a day.

When taking Ambien IR, swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water. Don’t chew or crush them.

Ambien CR dosage

The usual Ambien CR dosage for adults is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg once per night right before bedtime. The recommended starting dose for men is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg, while the starting dose for women is typically 6.25 mg. The maximum dosage of Ambien CR dosage is 12.5 mg per day.

Edluar dosage

Like other forms of zolpidem, Edluar is taken once at night before bedtime. The recommended starting Edluar dose for men is 5 mg or 10 mg, while it’s recommended for women to start with a 5 mg dose. The maximum daily dose of Edluar is 10 mg.

When taking Edluar, place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Don’t chew it or swallow it whole. And don’t eat or drink anything until the tablet has fully dissolved.

Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?

Yes, there are a few dosage adjustments for health conditions and other factors to consider when taking Ambien. People who are 65 or older and those with liver problems may need a lower dosage, for example.

Older adults

In general, experts recommend that people ages 65 and older avoid Ambien because of an increased risk of falls and other side effects. But if your prescriber decides it’s right for you, the recommended dose is 5 mg (Ambien IR and Edluar) or 6.25 mg (Ambien CR).

People with liver problems

The liver breaks down Ambien to help remove it from the body. If you have liver problems, Ambien can build up in your system and increase your risk of side effects. Because of this, the recommended dose is 5 mg (Ambien IR and Edluar) or 6.25 mg (Ambien CR) if you have mild-to-moderate liver problems. People with severe liver problems shouldn’t take Ambien.

What happens if you miss a dose of Ambien?

Here are some tips for handling a missed dose of Ambien based on how often you take the medication:

• If you take Ambien as needed: Missing a dose isn’t a concern if you only take Ambien when you expect to have difficulty sleeping. Simply take your next dose before bedtime as needed.

• If you take Ambien nightly: Try to follow your prescribed schedule if you’re taking Ambien regularly. If you forget to take it before bed, you may need to skip the missed dose and wait until the next evening.

If you realize you forgot to take a dose and still have at least 7 to 8 hours for sleep, you may be able to take the medication after you go to bed. But only do this if your prescriber has let you know that it’s safe.

Avoid taking a double or extra dose to make up for a missed one. And remember that Ambien should only be taken at night, ideally just before bedtime.

What should you do if you take too much Ambien?

If you take too much Ambien, you may feel extra sleepy or groggy at night and the next day. In serious cases, there’s a risk for slowed breathing, which can lead to coma and death. This is more likely if Ambien is combined with other medications that have similar effects.

If you think that you or a loved one has taken too much Ambien, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or a healthcare professional right away. If the symptoms feel severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go directly to the nearest ER.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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