Ambien, a prescription medication, is indicated in the treatment of insomnia. Ambien is often preferable to other sleep aids because it begins working within 15 minutes, and has a short half life of just two to three hours so the patient will be able to get out of bed easily after sleep induced by the medication. Other sleep aides can be very dangerous because they do cause long lasting drowsiness, which can cause problems with focus, concentration, and even coordination.

In 2007 Ambien was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Ambien was specifically approved for the short term treatment of insomnia, which usually means that the medication can be safely used for two to six weeks. The difference between Ambien and other sleep aids is that it does not help the patient fall asleep, rather it helps them maintain sleep so they do not wake up feeling groggy in the morning, and yet they are able to maintain sleep without issue.

Although approved for the treatment of insomnia, Ambien is often prescribed off label for the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Though it has not been approved for this purpose, many doctors and patients have found that it is both safe and effective in treating restless leg syndrome and gives the relief that patients are looking for.

Like all other medications on the market, Ambien has the potential to cause some unintended side effects. Common side effects include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, altered thought patterns, decreased libido, increased appetite, impaired judgment, hallucinations, and even amnesia. If side effects persist, patients should discuss them with their doctor to determine if the benefits of Ambien continue to outweigh the risks. While Ambien is generally well tolerated and helpful in the treatment of insomnia, a small percentage of the population simply cannot take it without suffering the side effects.