Ambien, also known by its generic name zolpidem, is a prescription medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which work by slowing down brain activity to induce sleep.
Ambien is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The immediate-release version helps individuals fall asleep faster, while the extended-release version is designed to help individuals stay asleep throughout the night.