Ambien is approved for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is intended for short-term use, typically for 7 to 10 days, with a maximum treatment duration of 4 weeks. The typical starting dose of Ambien for adults is 5 mg for immediate-release tablets or 6.25 mg for extended-release tablets. The dose can be adjusted if needed, but it is usually not recommended to exceed 10 mg per day. Ambien is taken orally, usually right before bedtime. The immediate-release tablets should be swallowed whole, while the extended-release tablets should be taken as a single dose without breaking, crushing, or chewing.