Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet before swallowing. It is better to take this medication on an empty stomach and only when you are ready for bed. Do not take your medication more often than directed. If you have been taking this medication for several weeks and suddenly stop taking it, you may get unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your care team may want to gradually reduce the dose. Do not stop taking this medication on your own. Always follow your care team's advice. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions-skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• CNS depression-slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, difficulty staying awake
• Mood and behavior changes-anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Unusual sleep behaviors or activities you do not remember such as driving, eating, or sexual activity Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness the day after use
• Headache

Our pharmacists will check to see if this medication will cause any interactions with the information in your profile.

• Alcohol
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
• Certain medications for depression, like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
• Ciprofloxacin
• Dietary supplements for sleep, like valerian or kava kava
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
• Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Narcotic medications for pain
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Rifampin