Low-dose, middle-of-the-night zolpidem poses only minimal driving risk

Middle-of-the-night use of low-dose, 3.5 mg zolpidem in a buffered sublingual formulation has a minimal risk of impairing driving performance in the morning when taken at least four hours in advance, according to a study in the March issue of SLEEP that utilized an on-the-road driving test. However, results show that the drug may have minor impairing effects when taken three to four hours before driving. According to the authors, it is important to instruct patients on the proper use of low-dose zolpidem.