SLEEP-DRIVING AND OTHER COMPLEX BEHAVIORS
There have been reports of people getting out of bed after taking a sedative-hypnotic and driving their cars while not fully awake, often with no memory of the event. If a patient experiences such an episode, it should be reported to his or her doctor immediately, since “sleep-driving” can be dangerous. This behavior is more likely to occur when Zolpidem tartrate is taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants [see Warnings and Precautions . Other complex behaviors (e.g., preparing and eating food, making phone calls, or having sex) have been reported in people who are not fully awake after taking a sedative-hypnotic. As with “sleep-driving”, people usually do not remember these events.
In addition, patients should be3 advised to report all concomitant medications to the prescriber. Patients should be instructed to report events such as “sleep-driving” and other complex behaviors immediately to the prescriber.
ADMINISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Patients should be counseled to take Zolpidem tartrate right before they get into bed and only when they are able to stay in bed a full night (7-8 hours) before being active again. Zolpidem tartrate tablets should not be taken with or immediately after a meal. Advise patients NOT to take Zolpidem tartrate when drinking alcohol.
