zolpidem

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.

Can taking zolpidem affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?

According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, studies have not been done to see if taking zolpidem can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Does taking zolpidem increase the risk of miscarriage?

Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and it is not known whether zolpidem can increase the chance of miscarriage. Anyone with questions about their individual situation should talk with their healthcare provider.

Does taking zolpidem increase the risk of birth defects?

The fact sheet notes that about 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons, regardless of exposures. Several studies have reported no increased chance of birth defects with the use of zolpidem during pregnancy. Decisions about using zolpidem in pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Can taking zolpidem during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?

Some studies have not found a large increase in problems like preterm delivery or low birth weight, while other studies have suggested a slightly higher chance of early delivery or smaller babies. Those studies did not always account for other factors such as additional medications, smoking, alcohol or drug use, or the underlying condition being treated, so it is difficult to know what is responsible for the findings. A healthcare provider can help weigh these considerations for an individual situation.

Can taking zolpidem during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?

According to the fact sheet, it is not known whether zolpidem can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Any questions about long-term child development should be brought to a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking zolpidem?

Zolpidem passes into breast milk in small amounts; one small study and a case report involving 6 women who took zolpidem after delivery found small amounts in their breast milk about three hours after taking it, and no problems were reported in their babies. The fact sheet notes that if a baby shows symptoms such as being very sleepy, trouble gaining weight, low muscle tone or floppiness, or slow breathing, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted. Breastfeeding questions are best discussed with your own healthcare provider.

Source: National Library of Medicine