Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem, a prescription medication primarily used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. Ambien works by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down brain activity, helping users fall asleep more easily. Ambien is prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly for people who have trouble falling asleep. Ambien Helps with both falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.