Zolpidem is a hypnotic medicine that can come in two forms – as an extended-release tablet and a regular tablet. The regular tablet makes you fall asleep fast, while the extended-release form has two layers, the first one is intended for going to sleep and the second one is there to make sure you stay asleep during 7-8 hours. Any health conditions you have are supposed to be reported to your health care provider before you start the treatment. The following ones should be mentioned: a history of drug or alcohol addiction, kidney disease, suicidal thoughts, depression, mental illness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea, bronchitis, liver disease, or emphysema. Older adults may be more susceptible to the effects of this medication. You need to make sure taking zolpidem is efficient for you – so be very careful when standing up and walking, as accidental falls and injuries are possible. This medicine is FDA pregnancy category C. This category is used for medications that may be potentially dangerous for an unborn or nursing baby, but their effects have not been studied properly yet. If you get pregnant while taking zolpidem – call your doctor.