FDA Advises Reduced Dose for Insomnia Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified the public about new information on zolpidem, a commonly prescribed insomnia drug that has been linked to increased drowsiness upon waking after using the product, which could impair activities requiring alertness, such as driving. According to a January 10, 2013, FDA safety alert, the agency advises reducing the bedtime dose in products that are used right before sleeping, including generics and drugs under brand names Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist.