Zolpidem, popularly known by its brand name Ambien, is a prescription sedative-hypnotic widely used for short-term management of insomnia. If you’re taking zolpidem — or considering it you probably have questions like. How soon does it take effect? how long will it linger in your body? and could it show up in a drug test? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you understand zolpidem’s timeline, influencing factors, and safety tips. How long does Ambien stay in your System?