Published on 27 February 2023

Belbien (Zolpidem): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage

Zopiclone (Imovane) belbien
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Sleep is the most essential one for the human body. While sleeping, your body rests, but still, the brain works on some crucial functions in your system to keep you healthy. But nowadays, you can see many people have trouble getting quality sleep.

According to the American Sleep Association, 70 million adults in the US are reported to have sleep issues. Sleep disorders are commonly spread all over the world. At the same time, 50% of Adults face Occasional insomnia, and 10% suffer from chronic insomnia.

It is estimated in a study about 40-70% of older adults over 60 are having more trouble getting enough sleep. This may also lead to health issues like medical history, sleep disorders, trauma, or illnesses.

Treat insomnia; there are different medicines available. Thus, Belbien is a controlled substance; Belbien is used for treating insomnia (Zolpidem for insomnia). Belbien has the active ingredient of the drug Zolpidem. It was FDA-approved for use in 1992. The generic version started in 2007. It is an effective medication because of its soothing properties, so let us see more about the drug in detail.

What Is Belbien?

Belbien (by hemofarm) is a medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, especially for those with difficulties initiating sleep. It can make you fall asleep with better relaxation in your mind. Ambien (Belbien by Hemofarm) is very much popular and is sold worldwide. It is composed of the active ingredient of Zolpidem. It is not approved for children below the age of 18 years.

How Does Belbien Work?

Belbien belongs to a group of sedative-hypnotic classes of drugs, but Belbien is not a benzodiazepine. The drug works as a central nervous system depressant. It can slow down your brain activity. Belbien acts on the brain's receptors to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity. GABA is a natural chemical in the brain that helps to pass messages between nerve cells and the brain.

However, GABA works by slowing down brain activity. Thus due to the effect of drugs, your brain will feel relaxed and have a calming effect that makes you tired and induces sleepiness.

Who Can And Cannot Take Belbien?

Most adults over the age of 18 years can use the drug. Below are the categories mentioned who should not take Zolpidem.

  • People with kidney or liver disease,
  • Allergic to the Zolpidem ingredient
  • The complex sleeping pattern on similar medications
  • Sleep apnea
  • Breathing trouble
  • Myasthenia Gravis (muscle weakness disease)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
  • Mental health or drug and alcohol issues

When Should You Take Belbien?

Belbien is a prescription medication, so take it as per your doctor's recommendation; Belbien is available online in tablet form. You can take a pill once a day during nighttime. If you missed the dose, try to continue with your next dose. Do not double-dose your medication.Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight; store away from children's reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Belbien is effective in treating insomnia; It is also available off-label to treat anxiety and various neurological and movement disorders. You must consult your doctor to use Belbien for these.
While taking Belbien, you can get up to 7 to 8 hours of sleep; The effect of this medication can stay in the body for up to 14 hours.
You can take one dose daily before bed, as your doctor recommends. Usually, sleeping pills should be used only for up to two weeks.

Possible Side Effects

As with any medication, Belbien has its side effects. Common side effects are mild and can happen to 1% of users. If you develop severe side effects, stop taking the drug immediately and call 911.

Common side effects Severe side effects
Dizziness Anaphylaxis and Allergy
Headache Memory problem
Nausea Irregular heartbeat
Tiredness Severe dizziness
Vomiting Suicidal thoughts

What Precautions Should Be Taken?

Inform your doctor about your health history are any illnesses like

  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Substance use disorder
  • Complex Sleep Behaviors on medications
  • Sleep apnea
  • Memory problem
  • Myasthenia gravis

The drug effects can last in your body for 7 to 8 hours, so you may feel tired and unable to think clearly. Do not consume the drug if you are driving or doing any heavy machinery activities because it makes you sleepy. It can lead to injury or accidents while medicated. Use Belbien with caution in older adults because of increased sensitivity to this medication. It can lead to confusion and oversedation, leading to falls. Monitor closely when using this medication in geriatrics.

You should inform your doctor during pregnancy or planning for pregnancy; it can cause severe side effects for your baby.
During Breastfeeding, Belbien can be passed into your breast milk, so get advice from your doctor.

What If You Overdose/abuse?

Belbien, like other hypnotic medications, should only be used in short durations, prescribed by your doctor. Given the nature of the drug, you can Belbien develop dependence and tolerance to this medication if used for long durations. This could result in withdrawals and difficulty weaning off the medication. Thus, sleeping pills should be used only for shorter periods with advice from your doctor.

Symptoms of Belbien Dependency:

  • Low-level energy
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Confusion
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Poor function
  • Hallucinations.

Please seek professional help if you develop any of the above symptoms.

Are There Any Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal effects of the drug are more seen due to long-term usage. When a person suddenly stops using the medicine, they will suffer from symptoms such as:

  • Vomiting
  • Flushing,
  • Nervousness
  • Shaking
  • Stomach cramps

Your doctor will guide you on how to wean off the medication to prevent these symptoms.

Drug Interactions:

Belbien may interact with other drugs, so you should be aware before consuming other herbal or vitamin supplements. Some of the possible interactions are listed below,

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines e.g. Xanax
  • Sedating antihistamines
  • Opioids like - Oxycodone, Tramadol, and acetaminophen+hydrocodone.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Imipramine

These drug interactions can cause increased drowsiness and breathing problems. Take this medication separately from your meal to prevent unwanted interactions.

Bottom Line from Practical Anxiety Solutions

We have discussed the drug Belbien; It is a sleep medication used for patients with insomnia. Sleep disorders are increasing worldwide due to several factors. People having severe trouble sleeping should consult a doctor and start treatment.

Belbien is an effective sleeping pill; It Belongs to the group of sedative-hypnotic class; it will make your brain feel calm and induce sleep. People than 18 years of age should not use the drug. Before starting a prescription, you should visit your doctor, inform them about your health condition and ask away all your doubts. It will be helpful for you to avoid any severe interaction with medicine.