Uses Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep). How to take Ambien works very quickly; take this medicine right before going to bed. Use it only when you will be able to sleep 7 to 8 hours or longer. Side effects Effects that may go away during treatment include daytime drowsiness or dizziness. Precaution Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. For women: Ambien is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. Drug interactions Do not use Ambien if you are also taking ritonavir. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Storage Keep Ambien away from children. Store Ambien at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, keep it away from heat and light.