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How to Get Prescribed Ambien?

FDA approved
Contact a licensed medical provider today to learn how to deal with sleepless nights. Get an online prescription for Ambien if deemed necessary.
Dr. Linda May
Medical Reviewer:
Dr. Linda May
DO
The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only.
Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers.Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient's unique health circumstances and needs. Read more

Ambien has a boxed warning[1] , the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ambien has a risk of complex sleep behaviors, including sleepwalking, sleep-driving, etc. Ambien is also a controlled substance, indicating its potential for abuse and dependence. Specific federal and state laws limit the amount of this medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.

Brand name: Ambien

Generic name: Zolpidem

Drug class: Nonbenzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics

Dosage forms: Oral tablets

FDA-approved uses: Insomnia (short-term use)

Getting a restful night’s sleep is crucial for brain functioning[2] . When you toss and turn for hours, unable to sleep, several nights a week, it might be a sign of insomnia. For this condition, healthcare providers suggest various treatment options, including sleep medications like Ambien, when needed.

Ambien is a prescription medication. In this article, you’ll learn who can get it prescribed, how online prescriptions work, and what you should be aware of before and during your insomnia treatment.

Highlights

  • Ambien (zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for insomnia treatment.
  • Ambien works by stimulating GABA and thereby producing sedative effects. This helps individuals to fall asleep sooner and for prolonged periods.
  • Ambien is a Schedule IV controlled medication. Thus, it requires a prescription to be used.
  • Healthcare providers can provide online Ambien prescriptions if they deem it appropriate after a health assessment.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is an FDA-approved sleep medication containing the active ingredient zolpidem. It is prescribed for short-term management of insomnia[3] in adults. It stimulates the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) by binding to its receptors and promotes feelings of calmness, relaxation, and sleepiness.

Ambien is categorized as a newer sedative-hypnotic and non-benzodiazepine medication. It tends to provide a more targeted influence by specifically inducing sleep and has a lower risk of side effects as compared to benzodiazepines.

Do You Need an Ambien Prescription?

Ambien is a prescription medication and a Schedule IV controlled substance. So, to buy and use it, you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional.

The decision about whether Ambien is suitable for you is made during an in-person or online consultation: a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, discuss your sleep issues with you, and review your health history. Then, they will decide if Ambien is the most suitable treatment for you.

Don’t let insomnia hold you back. Consult a medical provider and get a prescription online if necessary.

Who Can Prescribe Ambien?

Being a controlled medication, Ambien is subject to a set of guidelines and regulations. Only registered healthcare professionals can prescribe Ambien, ensuring the right dosage, usage instructions, and regular monitoring. The provider should be registered in the state where you live to legally authorize an Ambien prescription.

Some medical professionals qualified to prescribe medications for insomnia like Ambien include:

  • General Physicians
  • Neurologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Primary Care Physicians
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants

Our medical team involves providers licensed to prescribe Ambien online in Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kentucky (KY), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Virginia (VA), Vermont (VT), Washington (WA), Wisconsin (WI).

Can Ambien Be Prescribed Online?

It is possible to obtain a prescription for Ambien through virtual appointments with qualified healthcare professionals. In general, online prescribing for Ambien is very much like an in-person consultation. Individuals are required to provide their complete personal and medical information helping a healthcare provider thoroughly examine and assess their symptoms and determine if it is appropriate for them to take Ambien or any other type of medication such as Belsomra, Rozerem, etc.

How to Get Prescribed Ambien Online?

In order to get a prescription for Ambien online, you should first book an online appointment with our healthcare provider. They will evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan which may or may not include Ambien. Follow these steps:

  1. Sign up: Create an account and fill out your basic personal and medical information.
  2. Schedule an appointment: Book an online appointment with one of our licensed healthcare professionals by choosing a time slot that suits you best.
  3. Consultation with a healthcare provider: During a video consultation, a healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, mental health history, sleep behaviour, and medical profile to reach a diagnosis.
  4. Get a treatment plan: Based on your evaluation and diagnosis, you’ll receive a treatment plan that may or may not include an online prescription for sleep medication such as Ambien. If medication is prescribed, an online prescription will be sent to a pharmacy of your choice.
  5. Follow-up appointments: Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment and renew your prescription if required.

Get a treatment plan for insomnia from a licensed medical provider in 24 hours.

What to Discuss With Your Doctor Before Getting Prescribed Ambien?

Being open with your healthcare provider is necessary to figure out the best treatment regimen for you. Rather than requesting a specific insomnia medication such as Ambien, express your symptoms and concerns explicitly. This way, your medical provider will be able to make the most suitable choice in response to your personal needs.

Below are some areas to discuss with your doctor: 

  • Your symptoms, their frequency, duration, severity, and the difficulties they create in your day-to-day life.
  • Important details of your medical history, including any pre-existing illnesses and family history.
  • Any past treatments or medications you’ve tried for your condition and how they worked for you.

Also, ask any questions and seek clarification regarding the medications being considered.

Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on our bodies. Many patients with short-term sleep deprivation complain of being drowsy while driving a car, have difficulty thinking clearly, have slower reflexes, and their judgement is impaired. Long-term sleep deprivation can also increase the risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, depression, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. It’s important to seek help if you have sleep issues: a healthcare provider will choose a suitable treatment, which may include medication management.
Dr. Linda May, DO
Medical provider at MEDvidi

Dosage of Ambien

Ambien (zolpidem[4] ) is available in various doses and tablets. Your healthcare provider will choose the variant most appropriate for your symptoms.

AmbienAmbien CR
Type of medication releaseStandardExtended-release tablets, controlled release
Doses available5 mg and 10 mg tablets6.25 mg and 12.5 mg tablets
UseHelps with sleep initiationHelps with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance
Dosing schedule
  • Typical initial dose is 5 mg (for women) and 10 mg (for men) to be taken before bedtime
  • Maximum daily dose is 10 mg
  • Typical initial dose is 6.25 mg (for women) and 12.5 mg (for men) to be taken before bedtime
  • Maximum daily dose is 12.5 mg
Typical dosages are mentioned for informational purposes only. Consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan and follow their instructions.

Ambien Side Effects

Though Ambien can be useful in helping people sleep through the night, like most medications, it has potential side effects, from mild to significant. Most people have no reaction at all; however, in others, these adverse effects are pronounced. 

Some of the most common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Lethargy
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Back pain
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Palpitation
  • Abdominal pain

There are a few serious complications to look out for that may occur with Ambien use. If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. 

  • Individuals may experience impaired alertness and motor coordination the next morning, so they should avoid activities requiring concentration, like driving.
  • Some may feel extreme behaviour changes, including decreased inhibition, agitation, irrational behavior, and self-disconnection. 
  • In some cases, individuals may experience worsening depressive symptoms.
  • If taken for longer or higher doses than prescribed, Ambien may present a risk of dependence and abuse.

Stopping Ambien abruptly or without consulting your medical provider can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. If your medical provider deems it appropriate for you to stop Ambien, they will offer a tapering plan for smooth discontinuation without risk of withdrawal.

Ambien Cost

The pricing of Ambien varies depending on whether you are purchasing its brand or generic version, through an insurance plan or not, from which pharmacy chain, and depending on the dosage you’ve been prescribed.

The cost of a 30-day supply of 10 mg Ambien tablets is approximately $700 without any coverage. The same supply of generic zolpidem costs about $20. You can look into coupons or assistance programs offered to get discounted prices for Ambien.

Who Should Not Take Ambien?

Despite its efficacy, the following individuals should not take Ambien:

  • Those who experience complex sleep behaviors[5] such as walking, driving, or engaging in other activities while not fully awake after Ambien use.
  • Those allergic to zolpidem or other ingredients of Ambien.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • Those who consume alcohol or other recreational substances.
  • Those with a compromised liver or respiratory function.
  • Those who already take other CNS depressant medications, opioids, imipramine, chlorpromazine, rifampin, St. John’s wort, or ketoconazole.

Conclusion

Ambien (zolpidem) is prescribed to manage insomnia symptoms short term. If you’ve been having disturbed sleep, consult with our medical providers for personalized advice.

Book an appointment today to have an online assessment and get a prescription for Ambien if clinically appropriate.

FAQs

Can I get Ambien over the counter?

No, Ambien is a prescription-only medicine because it has the potential to be habit-forming and abused. It is not legally available to be bought over the counter at pharmacies. You will need to see a licensed healthcare provider in order to get a valid Ambien prescription.

Why won’t my doctor prescribe Ambien?

Your healthcare provider will not prescribe Ambien if you have a history of substance dependence, specific mental health conditions, or if they feel that another treatment option is better in your circumstances. They may prescribe alternative medications or psychotherapy depending on the evaluation results.

Can I buy Ambien online?

Yes, it is possible to buy Ambien online if you have a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. Nevertheless, it is important to verify that the online platform you are seeking to purchase Ambien from is legitimate.

Can I be prescribed Ambien while on Suboxone treatment?

There is a potential interaction between Ambien and Suboxone[6] ; both medications depress the central nervous system and may cause excessive sleepiness and breathing difficulties. Due to safety reasons, you are required to submit a letter from your clinician stating that it is safe and proper for you to take Ambien while undergoing Suboxone treatment.

Sources

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6 sources
  1. DailyMed - AMBIEN- zolpidem tartrate tablet, film coated. Nih.gov. Published 2025.
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  2. Brinkman JE, Reddy V, Sharma S. Physiology of Sleep. 2023 Apr 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 29494118.
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  3. Xiang T, Cai Y, Hong Z, Pan J. Efficacy and safety of Zolpidem in the treatment of insomnia disorder for one month: a meta-analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Med. 2021 Nov;87:250-256. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2021.09.005. Epub 2021 Sep 20. PMID: 34688027.
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  4. Bouchette D, Akhondi H, Patel P, Quick J. Zolpidem. 2024 Feb 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. PMID: 28723037.
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  5. Hoque R, Chesson AL Jr. Zolpidem-induced sleepwalking, sleep related eating disorder, and sleep-driving: fluorine-18-flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography analysis, and a literature review of other unexpected clinical effects of zolpidem. J Clin Sleep Med. 2009 Oct 15;5(5):471-6. PMID: 19961034; PMCID: PMC2762721.
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  6. Ambien and Suboxone Interactions Checker. Drugs.com. Published 2024.
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in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.