Ambien, also known by its generic name zolpidem, is a medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics and works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems.

Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal upset. More serious side effects can include complex sleep behaviors (like sleepwalking), memory problems, and allergic reactions.