AMBIEN vs AMBIEN CR
Independent side-by-side comparison.
Rating
70/100
70/100
Pharmacy pays
~$1.04 /30
~$1.04 /30
Type
RX
RX
Active ingredient
ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE
ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE
Dosage forms
Tablet
Tablet
Drug class
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor Positive Modulator
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor Positive Modulator
Boxed warning
Half-life
about 2.5 hours (mean 2.5-2.6 hours; range roughly 1.4 to 4.5 hours) in healthy adults
about 2.5 hours (mean 2.5-2.6 hours; range roughly 1.4 to 4.5 hours) in healthy adults
Treats
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
Frequently asked questions
Which is better-rated, Ambien or Ambien CR?
Ambien and Ambien CR are tied at 3.5 out of 5 by our independent rating.
Which is cheaper, Ambien or Ambien CR?
Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $1.04 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.
What is the difference between Ambien and Ambien CR?
Both Ambien and Ambien CR share the active ingredient Zolpidem Tartrate.
Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.