Ambien, also known by its generic name of zolpidem, belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics that reduce brain activity and promote sleep. People with insomnia often have chemical imbalances in the brain, and Ambien helps to correct those imbalances, states Drugs.com. While it's effective for many individuals with sleep disorders, Ambien can have significant side effects.
Features
Significant adverse effects from Ambien can include the occurrence of complex behaviors in which users engage in activities such as sexual intercourse, sleep-driving and meal preparation while not fully awake, according to AmbienCR.com. Sleepwalking, of course, is an integral part of these behavioral routines, and after the person awakens, he does not remember the sleepwalking or other behaviors.
Related Symptoms
Ambien can cause visual and auditory hallucinations, abnormal thinking, decreased inhibitions, aggressiveness and extroversion. These effects can cause individuals to act unpredictably during complex behaviors like sleepwalking or sleep-driving, increasing danger to self or others, according to AmbienCR.com.
Warnings
Alcohol and other drugs that affect the central nervous system can increase the risk of sleepwalking and other adverse effects from Ambien. These include seizure medications, antidepressant drugs, anti-anxiety medicines, sedatives and tranquilizers. A patient should provide her complete drug history to the physician who prescribes the Ambien.
Tips
To reduce the risk of sleepwalking or other undesirable behavioral effects of Ambien, take only the prescribed amount of medication. It's best to take the drug right before bedtime and to plan on staying in bed for 7 to 8 hours, states PubMed Health.
Expert Insight
PubMed Health recommends notifying the prescribing physician immediately if sleepwalking or other adverse side effects occur after taking Ambien, and AmbienCR.com warns users to stop taking the medication if it causes sleep-driving or other risky situations.
