How should I take Stilnox? 
Take Stilnox exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. 
Take each dose with a full glass of water. 

Take Stilnox just before you go to bed. It will make you drowsy, and you could fall and hurt yourself if you take your dose before you are ready for sleep. 

Take Stilnox only if you are able to get a full nights sleep before you must be active again. 

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. 

Do not stop taking Stilnox suddenly if you have been taking it for more than 1 or 2 weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Stilnox. 

Store Stilnox at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 
Since Stilnox is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose only if you can be sure that you will get 7 or 8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep for 7 or 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effects from Stilnox after you wake up. 

What happens if I overdose? 
Seek emergency medical attention. 
Symptoms of a Stilnox overdose may include sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficult or slow breathing, and unconsciousness. 

What should I avoid while taking Stilnox? 
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Stilnox will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Stilnox should be taken just before bedtime. You may experience some carryover effects the next day. 
Do not drink alcohol while taking Stilnox. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness while you are taking Stilnox, which could be dangerous. 
Avoid other sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, including over-the-counter preparations. They should not be used while you are taking Stilnox unless your doctor directs otherwise. 

What are the possible side effects of Stilnox? 
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Stilnox and seek emergency medical attention: 
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or 
- hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion. 

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Stilnox and talk to your doctor if you experience 
- headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; 
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; 
- depression; 
- muscle aches or pains; 
- vivid or abnormal dreams; or 
- amnesia (memory loss) after a dose. 

A problem that may occur when sleep medicines are stopped is known as rebound insomnia. This means that a person may have more trouble sleeping the first few nights after the medicine is stopped than before starting the medicine. If you should experience rebound insomnia, do not get discouraged. This problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights 
Stilnox is habit forming. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication. 

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.