Question about medicine - didn't know where else to place this

I figured I could just ask this here, but if it needs to be moved, that's fine.

I use Ambien (Zolpidem) in the U.S. when I need to sleep early. My fiance (UKC) has a hard time sleeping and staying asleep in general. I'm in the UK now with him, and I've let him use 10mg some nights, and those nights he always is able to sleep.

So, is there an equivalent of Ambien here in the UK? Or Zolpidem, rather.... I've tried Googling it and I can't really find anything on it. OTC sleeping pills don't help him at all.

Thanks in advance.

I used to use Ambien, too, but over here all I've been given is diazepam.

You can get Ambien here -- we got a few for my MiL when she was ill -- but my experience is that they really don't like prescribing it and won't give you many. I stocked up (legally, I hasten to add!) on benzos before I left the States.

I have found doctors here incredibly reluctant to give sleeping pills.  I have even had a doctor frankly shocked that I would even ask.

zolpidem can be prescribed in the UK. The brand name is Stilnoct, and it's also available as a generic.

Thanks for all the replies. Kind of dumb that the docs here will be like that even though they pay for prescriptions, but I will look into it.

I have found doctors here incredibly reluctant to give sleeping pills.  I have even had a doctor frankly shocked that I would even ask.

I've been prescribed sleeping pills, but I have serious sleep issues that have required medical attention. I suppose it depends on your situation and whether your doctor trusts you to use the medicine wisely.

i think I must have a very trusting doctor.  When I went in for my very first appointment, I simply told him what meds I was taking in the states and he gave me the equivalent for them here.  One of them was a sleeping pill.