Intermezzo is a sedative, and is typically used as a sleeping aid for people who have trouble falling asleep or continuing sleep once it is interrupted. This sedative should only be used when a person has only about four hours left of sleep remaining before the usual time of waking. Intermezzo contains the active ingredient zolpidem tartrate, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic belonging to the imidazopyridine class,
and is available in 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg strength tablets. Intermezzo sublingual tablets should be placed right under the tongue and allowed to dissolve and be absorbed into the system. Intermezzo should not be taken alongside alcohol or any other sleep aid medication.
Intermezzo Cost Information
The price for a pack of Intermezzo containing 30 1.75 mg sublingual tablets may range from $223.69 to $231.17, depending on pharmacy, location, and online drug store.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $247.00 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $247.00 |
Kmart |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $226.74 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $226.74 |
Kroger |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $227.49 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $227.49 |
Publix |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $228.83 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $228.83 |
Rite Aid |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $280.00 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $280.00 |
Target |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $261.00 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $273.00 |
Walgreens |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $256.00 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $257.00 |
Walmart |
| 1.75mg | 30 sublinguals | $223.69 |
| 3.5mg | 30 sublinguals | $223.69 |
Short-Term Side Effects
For those who are allergic to zolpidem tartrate may experience a range of adverse reactions to Intermezzo, ranging from mild to severe reactions. Other common side effects include daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, a general feeling of being “drugged” or light-headed, a lingering tired feeling, loss of coordination, stuffy nose, dry mouth, irritation of the nose or throat, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, and muscle pain.
Long-Term Side Effects
Some of the more serious side effects to using Intermezzo include chest pains, rapid or irregular heart rate, labored breathing, shortness of breath, difficulty in swallowing, and feeling faint. Other serious side effects are CNS-depressant effects and next-day impairment, serious anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, sudden and unexplained behavioral changes, and withdrawal effects. At the onset of any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
How It Works
Intermezzo is a lower-dose formulation of the prescription medication zolpidem branded as Ambien, and just like Ambien, Intermezzo works directly on the brain. Intermezzo stimulates a special neurotransmitter in the brain that quiets the nerve cell activity that contributes to insomnia or impaired sleep. By inducing drowsiness, Intermezzo helps to initiate and maintain sleep. By quieting the nerve cell activity that triggers insomnia, it is also able to allow a person suffering from sleep interruptions to fall back into sleep.
Intermezzo Drug Interactions
This drug is known to interact with many drugs (694 in all) like acetaminophen, Abilify, Dimetapp, and aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medications to be sure.
Generic Alternatives
Intermezzo, which has the generic name zolpidem, also has a few generic alternatives, such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist.
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