Can Zolfresh Be Taken Safely For A Long Duration?

Posted on Thu, 24 Dec 2015

Question: Sir my doctor prescibe me zolfresh 10 mg for sleep and anexiety.i m consuming it since 5 years.in the meantime i completed my engineering degree.sir it is safe and can i continue it.

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly it is safe.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.

Zolfresh (zolpidem 10) is very effective and comparatively safe in the treatment of sleep and anxiety even for a longer duration.

However,it may sometimes cause drug tolerance and drug dependence especially during long term usage ,so it should be used cautiously and strict under doctor's supervision.

In your case,It will not cause any side effect since you are already taking it from 5 years (whether occasionally or on a regular basis),So there will be no problem to continue it further if it is required.

Also,I have seen plenty of medical students in my clinical experience who use to consume zolfresh regularly (especially during exam times) without any side effect.

And in case,if you do not have anxiety symptoms further and can have adequate sleep on your own then you should gradually withdraw the medication with dose reduction to avoid any withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia.Your treating physician will better know about it and can guide you in this regard.

Hope this will help and let me know if you have any more doubts.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar