What is Belbien?
Belbien is a prescription medication that contains zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic that treats short-term insomnia. It helps people who struggle with falling or staying asleep by promoting relaxation in the brain.
How does Belbien work?
Belbien contains zolpidem, which boosts the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system. By increasing GABA’s effects, Belbien slows down brain activity, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Dosage and strengths
Belbien tablets come in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. The usual dose is 10 mg before bedtime, but doctors may prescribe 5 mg for older adults or those with liver or kidney problems. It typically starts working within 30 minutes.
How to take Belbien
It is important to take Belbien exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water, without crushing or chewing it. You can take it with or without food, but food may slow down its effect.
If you forget to take Belbien at bedtime, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed one.
Side effects of Belbien
Like all medicines, Belbien may cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Serious side effects
- Memory problems or confusion
- Hallucinations or unusual thoughts
- Trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, stop taking Belbien and consult your doctor immediately.
Warnings and precautions
- Do not take Belbien if you are allergic to zolpidem or any of its ingredients.
- Avoid it if you have severe liver problems, breathing difficulties, or a history of sleepwalking.
- It is not suitable for children or adolescents under 18 years old.
- Long-term use can lead to dependence. Do not stop suddenly without medical advice.
- Belbien may cause drowsiness the next day, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives, as they can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
Belbien and pregnancy
Belbien is not usually recommended during pregnancy, as it may cause drowsiness or withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Taking it near delivery can increase these risks, and your baby may need extra monitoring after birth.
If you become pregnant while taking Belbien, speak to your doctor. They may switch you to a medication that is safer during pregnancy.
Belbien and breastfeeding
there is not much information about taking Belbien while breastfeeding, but it can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby. Talk to your doctor to determine if it is safe for you and your baby.
Taking Belbien with other medicines
Belbien can interact with other medications, increasing drowsiness and other side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Belbien if you are using any of these medicines:
- Drowsy antihistamines (e.g., promethazine)
- Medicines for mental health conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety)
- Epilepsy medications
- Other sleep aids or sedatives
- Strong painkillers (e.g., codeine, morphine, tramadol)
- Certain antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
- Antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- HIV treatments (e.g., ritonavir)