Ambien--also known by its generic name, zolpidem tartrate--is a sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It's available in regular tablets as well as an extended-release form called Ambien CR. Both versions of the drug act on chemicals in the brain, promoting relaxation and a restful night's sleep. While generally safe when taken as directed, Ambien does have some effects that can be fatal.
Possibly Fatal Effects
People who take Ambien may experience a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. Another danger is that Ambien is associated with a number of adverse effects, including complex behaviors like sleep-driving; that is, operating a car while not fully awake. A further risk is dosage related. Because the maximum daily dose of Ambien is the same as the prescribed dose, it's easy for someone to take either an accidental or a deliberate overdose.
Significance
Signs of anaphylaxis include itching, nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the tongue and upper airway. Considerable airway swelling can prevent air from flowing in and out of the lungs, leading to respiratory distress and even death.
Sleep-driving and other complex behavioral effects from Ambien may be fatal not only for the individual taking the drug, but also for those around him.
An Ambien overdose can cause coma, cardiovascular problems such as very low blood pressure, respiratory compromise and even death, according to the Ambien CR website.
Misconceptions
While anaphylactic shock is generally associated with an immediate allergic response to the first use of a particular product, people have developed life-threatening allergic symptoms minutes--or even hours--after taking either a first Ambien dose or a follow-up dose.
Risk Factors
People who drink alcohol, or use products containing alcohol, are at increased risk of developing sleep-driving and other dangerous complex behaviors, according to PubMed Health. Alcohol is an ingredient in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines as well as in some mouthwashes, reveals a lab report on the Southworth Associates website. The risk of adverse effects and death from Ambien is also greater when it's taken with other drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as prescription pain medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers and seizure medications. Patients should discuss alcohol use and drug history with their prescribing physician before taking Ambien.
Prevention
Patients should not drive or engage in other high-risk activities until they know how Ambien will affect them. They should stop taking Ambien if it causes them complex behavior effects like sleep-driving. To prevent an accidental overdose, patients should make a written note of each Ambien pill taken. Finally, they should contact emergency services immediately at any sign of allergic reaction.
