What is the difference between the drug Ambien and Ambien CR?

Answer 1

Ambien CR is control released, which means it is released into your blood stream over a period of time. I have taken Ambien and Ambien CR. What I found is on occasion I would wake up with the Ambien and not be able to get back to sleep. The CR seemed to help keep me asleep longer, although you never know with the power of suggestion. Sleep soundly!!

Answer 2

Ambien CR - CR stands for Controlled Release
It releases smaller amounts of the drug over a period of time so that the medication does not wear out
Ambien - is not controlled released, it releases all meds. at the same time when you take it

Answer 3

They are the same drug. Ambien CR (stands for controlled release) is a two layer tablet designed to release one dose of the medicine immediately, and another several hours later as the first wears off, to lengthen the time it remains effective. Plain Ambien is released all at once.

Answer 4

Normal Ambien is just to put you to sleep.
Ambien CR is to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Answer 5

Ambien releases all at once where as CR stands for control release and that disolves in stages.

Answer 6

as you stated the CR stands for controlled release. It is a double layer drug, same drug, i think its Zolpidem Tartrate. One layer releases instantly upon taking the medication, the other layer releases about 4 hours after you take it. It is VERY important never to crush any sort or sustained release tablets. You will get all of the drug at once and it can be fatal. Deciding which one is right for you is up to you. If you have problems getting to sleep and staying asleep than the CR may be right for you. If you have no problem staying asleep after you get to sleep then the regular drug would probably work. If it were me i would just go with the regular Ambien. It is available in generic which means that it is WAY cheaper than the CR.

Answer 7

CR means controlled release.