Ambien is a brand name for the medication zolpidem, which is a sedative-hypnotic medication primarily used to treat insomnia, a common sleep disorder. Ambien is prescribed to help people with insomnia fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems. Ambien is typically prescribed for short-term use, usually for a period of no more than 7 to 10 days. Prolonged use may lead to dependence and tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
