- Administration: Edluar comes in tablet form that should be placed under the tongue. Let the tablet dissolve completely without chewing or swallowing it.
- Timing: Take Edluar just before bedtime when you are ready to sleep, and ensure that you have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep time to avoid next-day drowsiness.
- Do Not Take with Food: Food can delay the absorption of the medication, so it’s best to take Edluar on an empty stomach for quicker results.
Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of Edluar and may cause dangerous side effects like difficulty breathing or excessive drowsiness.
Edluar (zolpidem) works by affecting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for calming nerve activity, which helps induce sleep.
- Sedative Effect: Zolpidem enhances the action of GABA, making it easier for the brain to relax and fall asleep.
- Faster Onset: Since Edluar is a sublingual tablet, it dissolves quickly under the tongue, leading to faster absorption and faster onset of sleep, typically within 15 to 30 minutes.
Short-acting: Edluar works quickly to help you fall asleep but is not designed for long-term use. It is effective for people who have difficulty falling asleep but may not help people who wake up during the night.
Like all medications, Edluar can cause side effects. Some of the common and serious side effects include:
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or feeling “groggy” the next day
- Headache
- Nausea
- Unusual dreams or nightmares
Serious Side Effects:
- Memory Loss: Some people experience short-term memory loss, especially if they are not able to sleep for a full 7-8 hours.
- Sleepwalking: Rarely, people taking Edluar may engage in activities like sleepwalking, driving, or eating without being fully awake.
- Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing or slowed breathing may occur, especially if taken with other CNS depressants or alcohol.
- Allergic Reactions: Rarely, Edluar can cause severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or throat, hives, or trouble breathing.
- CNS Depressants: Combining Edluar with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sleep aids, can increase the risk of excessive sedation, dizziness, or respiratory depression.
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, especially those that act on serotonin and norepinephrine, may increase the sedative effects of Edluar.
- Antihistamines: Medications like antihistamines used for allergies may interact with Edluar and increase drowsiness.
CYP450 Enzyme Inhibitors: Medications like certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole) and antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin) may increase the concentration of zolpidem in the blood, heightening its effects and risk of side effects.
- Adults (under 65 years): The usual dose is 5 mg for women and 5-10 mg for men, taken once before bedtime.
- Older Adults (65+ years): The starting dose is usually 5 mg to minimize the risk of side effects.
- For Liver Problems: A lower dose (5 mg) is recommended if you have liver impairment.
- Not for Children: Edluar is not recommended for children under 18 years old due to safety concerns.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your regular dose the next night. Do not take two doses at once.
Edluar is a prescription-only medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Edluar. Your doctor will evaluate your condition, medical history, and any potential drug interactions before prescribing it. You should only take Edluar as prescribed and for the recommended duration to minimize the risk of dependency or adverse effects.