Zolpidem 5mg Tablets
Pack of 14 tablets · Film-coated tablets
Lower-strength short-term option for adults with significant sleep problems, suitable for many older adults or smaller body weight.
Controlled drug — important information
This medicine is a controlled drug under the UK Misuse of Drugs Regulations. It is supplied in limited quantities, only after a full clinical assessment, and may not be carried abroad without the right paperwork (a personal export licence is required for trips of 3 months or more). Misuse can cause serious harm and dependence, and is a criminal offence.
GP information & consent
For all Prescription Only Medicines — and particularly controlled drugs — the clinic requires your GP details. In line with healthcare regulations, we will notify your GP when supplying high-risk Prescription Only Medicines such as controlled drugs. You can opt out of this consent, however this may affect the prescriber's decision to prescribe certain medications.
To support our safety checks, we may also request access to your GP medical records. This is an optional consent, however declining may impact the prescriber's ability or decision to prescribe.
Only one controlled-drug medication per basket.
Request consultationOfficial medicine information
View the SmPC and Patient Information Leaflet on emc
electronic Medicines Compendium — the authoritative source for UK licensed medicine information.
Active ingredient
Zolpidem tartrate
Strength
5mg
Form
Film-coated tablets
Pack size
Pack of 14 tablets
How it works
Zolpidem is a 'Z-drug' that works on receptors in the brain to help you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. The 5mg dose is typically the starting strength, particularly for women, older adults, or those with reduced liver function.
How to take
Take one tablet directly before bed, only when you have time for a full 7–8 hours of sleep. Avoid alcohol. Treatment is intended for short-term use only — usually no longer than 2–4 weeks including tapering.
Possible side effects
- Drowsiness or 'hangover' feeling the next day
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Rarely: sleepwalking or other complex sleep behaviours
Important warnings
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy the next day.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives.
- Tell your pharmacist about any liver, kidney, or breathing problems.
- Not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Risk of dependence — short-term use only under pharmacist supervision.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original packaging. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
How this medicine is supplied
Safer supply for high-risk medicines
- Identity verification before any supply is approved.
- GP notification — and, where appropriate, verification with your GP.
- Direct prescriber contact by phone or short video where clinically indicated — not questionnaire only.
- Limited quantities and structured review.
- Signed-for adult delivery only — the patient must be present at the address.
Your prescriber
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
All Prescription Only Medicines on this page are reviewed and (where appropriate) prescribed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist Independent Prescriber. You will be told your prescriber's name and GPhC registration number before treatment is supplied.
Lead Prescriber for this clinic: Jane Doe MRPharmS, IP — GPhC Reg. 2000000. Verify on the GPhC pharmacist register.
Important
This information is provided for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional clinical advice. Treatment is only supplied following a consultation, suitability checks and pharmacist review. If this medicine is not suitable for you, our pharmacist will discuss alternatives.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you have a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.
Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting helps make medicines safer for everyone.
Last reviewed by our Superintendent Pharmacist: Jane Doe MRPharmS, April 2026.
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