Ambien: Is dependence a concern?

It's unlikely you'll become dependent on zolpidem (Ambien). Ambien and similar sleep medications are effective and are much less likely to be habit-forming than are some other drugs sometimes prescribed for sleep problems — for example, benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan) or flurazepam (Dalmane).

However, relying on a sleep medication generally isn't the best long-term solution for insomnia. Medications can mask an underlying problem that needs treatment. They can also cause side effects. For example, some people who take Ambien and similar medications such as eszopiclone (Lunesta) do things while asleep that they don't remember — such as driving, or preparing and eating food. In rare cases, these medications may trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Sleep medications can be useful in the short term — but the best approach is to address whatever's causing your sleep problems in the first place. If you still have trouble sleeping, other therapies include learning new sleep habits, getting counseling for anxiety or other psychological concerns and using stress-reduction techniques.