Ambien is a medication in a class of drugs known as sedatives. Ambien is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Insomnia is a difficulty falling, or staying asleep. Ambien affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems, according to Drugs.com. There are some side effects and medication interactions associated with Ambien of which patients should be aware prior to initiating therapy.
Medication Interactions
Patients may need a lower dose of Ambien if they take other medications that may make them sleepy, such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety, notes Drugs.com. Medications that may interact with Ambien include chlorpromazine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin, and antidepressants such as imipramine or sertraline. Herbal supplements and vitamins may also interact with Ambien. Patients should consult their health care provider regarding the daily medications, herbs, and vitamins they take on a daily basis prior to taking their first dose of Ambien.
Mild Side Effects
Ambien may cause daytime dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Patients should not take Ambien unless they can devote a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep. Drinking alcohol while taking Ambien may intensify these effects. Some users may experience vivid dreams and amnesia while taking this medication. Ambien should be taken immediately before bedtime to decrease the risks of these effects. Common gastrointestinal complaints associated with Ambien include nausea, stomach pain, gas, heartburn, and constipation. Some may experience flu-like symptoms while taking this medication. They include headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, and red itchy eyes.
Severe Side Effects
There are some severe side effects of Ambien of which users should be aware. They include depression, thoughts of hurting oneself, rash, vision changes, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and aggression. Anyone who experiences these effects should seek immediate medical attention.
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