Ambien is a brand name for the medication zolpidem, which is often prescribed as a treatment for insomnia. Ambien is a hypnotic medication, which means that it slows down brain activity to make it easier for the user to fall asleep. Although Ambien is specially formulated to minimize side effects and other problems, there are still certain difficulties associated with taking Ambien.
Neurological
Many of the problems associated with taking Ambien are due to its neurological effects that can persist the morning after the medication is taken. Although Ambien is designed to be short-acting, patients may still feel sleepy, dizzy and have problems with thinking and muscle coordination the morning after taking Ambien, EMedTV reports. The risk of this happening can be minimized if patients allow themselves at least eight hours to sleep after taking Ambien.
Gastrointestinal
Ambien can also result in patients experiencing some minor upset of the gastrointestinal system, RxList states. The morning after taking Ambien patients may experience nausea, constipation or abdominal pain. These symptoms do not typically last for more than a few hours, however.
Respiratory
Taking Ambien can also increase a person's chance of developing infections of the respiratory system. Drugs.com notes. Most commonly the upper respiratory system is affected, but patients may also develop sinus infections, bronchitis, laryngitis or pneumonia due to the effects of Ambien.
Unusual Behavior and Thinking
Ambien can cause some people to behave in an unusual manner, particularly if they wake up while under the influence of the medication. During this time patients may be unusually aggressive or talkative, which may be due to Ambien's ability to decrease inhibition. Hallucinations are experienced by some patients. Other patients may become agitated, engage in bizarre behavior or develop feelings of depersonalization. Other patients may engage in more complex behaviors such as "sleep-driving," RxList explains, in which the user engages in activities while still not fully conscious. After these events have occurred the user may have no memory of what has taken place. Taking Ambien with alcohol or other sedatives may increase the risk of this happening.
Anaphylaxis
In some cases Ambien can cause severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is notable for causing swelling of the tongue and throat, which can cause patients to become hoarse and have trouble swallowing. The airway may also become blocked, which can be fatal.
