Ambien, also known by its generic name zolpidem, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which work by slowing down brain activity to induce sleep.
Ambien is typically prescribed for short-term use, usually for a few weeks or less, to help individuals with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is designed to be taken immediately before bedtime, as it acts quickly to promote sleep onset.