Ambien, or zolpidem tartrate, effectively treats insomnia and other sleep disorders by altering the underlying chemical imbalance in the brain. Available in both a regular dose and an extended release formulation called Ambien CR, this drug allows people to fall asleep quickly and enjoy a full night's rest. However, Ambien has been associated with potentially dangerous side effects, including sleepwalking and amnesia, says Drugs.com.
Identification
People who take Ambien tablets have engaged in a number of complex behaviors while they're not fully awake, including sleepwalking, sleep-driving, sexual intercourse and even meal preparation. After they've awakened, many individuals have no recollection of the events of the night, a phenomenon known as amnesia, says PubMed Health.
Significance
Ambien has also been associated with personality changes including a loss of normal inhibitions, abnormal thinking, aggression, extroverted behaviors and visual and auditory hallucinations. When those changes are combined with automatic behaviors such as sleep-driving or sexual activity, individuals are at risk of harming themselves or others, according to AmbienCR.com. Since amnesia blocks the memory of those events during waking hours, people may not understand the severity of the problem or identify the need to curtail the dangerous behaviors.
Considerations
PubMed Health recommends that people discuss their Ambien use with family members or other significant others before taking their first pill. It's a good idea to review the possible adverse effects, including complex behaviors during sleeping hours and the subsequent amnesia for those events. Loved ones can help monitor the effect of the Ambien, and identify any potential risks posed by the drug.
Warning
Alcohol and other drugs that depress the central nervous system increase the risk of developing the complex behavioral events and subsequent amnesia caused by Ambien, says PubMed Health. These drugs include other sleeping pills, medicines for epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and psychiatric medications prescribed for anxiety and depression. The prescribing physician will take a complete drug history to help identify and avoid potential drug interactions.
Tips
AmbienCR.com recommends that people taking Ambien follow label directions carefully to minimize the risk of adverse effects like sleep-driving and amnesia. Take only the prescribed amount of the drug and swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water right before bedtime. Plan to stay in bed for seven to eight hours after taking Ambien, rather than setting an alarm earlier and increasing the chance of engaging in hazardous activities with subsequent amnesia.
