Ambien is a sedative prescribed for insomnia that can induce relaxation and sleep. Alcohol, a barbiturate also causes sedation, drowsiness and dizziness. However, when alcohol combines with the hypnotic Ambien, the interaction can cause severe side effects. The website, AskDocWeb indicates that alcohol taken with Ambien, the brand name of generic zolpidem, increases drowsiness and dizziness. MayoClinic.com states that mixing Ambien with alcohol can cause confusion and loss of consciousness.
Ambien
According to the drug manufacturer Sanofi-aventis, Ambien is a hypnotic medication prescribed for the short-term symptoms of insomnia. The manufacturer notes that Ambien is a central nervous system depressant that can impair motor coordination and motor function. Sanofi-aventis states that Ambien has a quick release sedative quality intended to assist the body in overcoming short-term insomnia. This medication when mixed with alcohol causes serious loss of memory, and loss of motor control.
Alcohol
The Merck Manual describes alcohol as a central nervous system depressant, noting that when large amounts of alcohol are consumed quickly it can cause respiratory depression, coma and even death, as well as severe liver and organ damage. Since alcohol can cause insomnia, mixing this depressant with sleeping medication, such as Ambien, can cause longer duration insomnia side effects. Merck also indicates that alcohol tolerance develops quickly, while at the same time developing a cross tolerance for other central nervous system depressants such as Ambien.
Interactions
The website, Soundpill indicates that Ambien has a negative effect when mixed with barbiturates including alcohol, stating that combining Ambien with central nervous system depressants cause exaggerated effects of loss of control and consciousness. Alcohol and Ambien also create unpredictable behavior. A preexisting medical condition will increase the negative side effects of any illness when combined with alcohol and Ambien. The Alcohol Answers website reports that mixing Ambien with alcohol causes dizziness, slowed or impaired breathing, impaired motor control, unusual behavior and memory problems. Mixing alcohol with Ambien also often may cause sleepwalking and sleep eating.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates have a high addiction rate and a short-term anesthesia effect. The symptoms of barbiturate abuse, according to MayoClinic.com include respiratory depression, lowered blood pressure, fatigue, unusual excitement, irritability, poor concentration, sedation, confusion, impaired judgment and respiratory arrest that may lead to death. Both alcohol and Ambien are central nervous system depressants with similar side effects of barbiturates. Ambien is prescribed for short-term use only; however, extended use can encourage these effects.
Expert Insight
MayoClinic.com, the Physicians Desk Reference site, the Ambien drug manufacturer, the Merck Manual, and the Alcohol Answers website, all indicate that Ambien medication effects are increased with the use of alcohol. They all note that alcohol increases insomnia and that increased dosages of this barbiturate can cause respiratory impairment that may lead to death.
