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[quote=Anonymous]I see this thread is pretty old but I'll throw my two cents in since it might help someone other than OP.

Have you tried Zaleplon (Sonata) instead?

It has the same method of action as Zolpidem (Ambien). They are both "nonbenzodiazepines" which means they have a different chemical structure to benzodiazepines but still work on benzodiazepine receptors (albeit a bit more selectively than actual benzodiazepines). Examples of actual benzodiazepines would be Diazepam (Valium) and Clonazepam (Klonopin/Rivotril).
Further reading for those interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zolpidem#Mechanism_of_action

You're probably wondering if they're so similar why am I recommending you try Zaleplon (Sonata) over Zolpidem (Ambien). The reason lies in the half-life of the drugs. Zalepon (Sonata) has a half life of one hour. Zolpidem (Ambien) has a half life of two to three hours.

Since Zalepon (Sonata) has considerably shorter half-life than Zolpidem (Ambien) it will be metabolised much faster (processed by the body and reduced to inactive metabolites which are then usually excreted in urine within 48 hours and considered harmless in small amounts).

What this translates to is different pros and cons even though they basically do the same job.

The pros:
You are unlikely to experience any residual hangover or "next day grogginess" as is common with (non)benzodiazepines. It takes roughly up to four hours for your body to "readjust" after Zaleplon (Sonata), which is usually done in your sleep so you wake up feeling normal. It can take considerably longer on (non)benzodiazepines with larger half-lifes to "readjust", with residual effects lasting into the next morning or afternoon.

The cons:
The shorter half-life means a shorter duration of action. While Zaleplon (Sonata) is as effective as Zolpidem (Ambien) at initiating sleep, you may wake up later in the night after the Zaleplon (Sonata) has worn off. A common complaint is that some people wake up after 4 hours. If this occurs, the dose can be repeated. This is usually due to hyperarousal and after a few good due nights of sleep, repeat dosing is often not needed.

Of course, as with all pharmaceuticals, your mileage may vary.

Personally, I have tried every (non)benzodiazepine on the market and have found Zaleplon (Sonata) to be the most ideal for my situation (a hard time initiating sleep). I am recommending this in a thread regarding the chronic dosing of nonbenzodiazepines because for a period of four months I was taking Zaleplon (Sonata) every night and experienced no decrease in efficacy or additional side effects over time. Now, I'm not a biochemist and so I don't know exactly how hard taking a nonbenzodiazepine every night is on your body. All I can say is if you are medicating chronic insomnia then you may find Zaleplon (Sonata) to be a good deal milder in side-effects and more tolerable in this situation.[/quote]

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