Ambien is a medication prescribed to individuals with sleeping disorders. It is often used to treat disorders such as insomnia and is intended for short-term consumption. Ambien, also known as zolpidem, works to help individuals fall asleep and maintain restful sleep. Due to its sedative affect on the individual and risk for dependency, the use of Ambien should be closely monitored by a health care professional. Prolonged use of the medication can produce a range of potentially serious side effects.
Addiction
It is possible to become addicted to Ambien with prolonged use. Due to its sedative nature, individuals may take it upon themselves to treat other conditions or emotional states with Ambien. This is more common in people who have suffered from addiction to other substances than in the general population. In addition, prolonged use of Ambien may lead to higher levels of tolerance, which may leave users feeling a need to increase the dosage of their medication. This is often done without consulting a health care professional, which can be extremely dangerous.
Drowsiness
Increased drowsiness is both a short-term and long-term effect of the use of Ambien. In people taking the drug over prolonged periods of time, drowsiness may occur throughout the day and make it difficult for users to perform daily activities. Tasks such as driving or working (especially with machinery) may be dangerous. Symptoms of the drug may carry over from the previous evening's administration. This is especially true for people taking high doses of the medication.
Memory Loss
Prolonged use of Ambien can also cause memory loss. The makers of Ambien recommend that people who are taking this medication not travel, since they could have lapses in memory after taking the drug. This is often referred to as "traveler's amnesia." Any episodes of memory lapses should be monitored by a health care provider.
Other Symptoms
In rare cases, individuals may experience worsening symptoms of depression, behavior changes or even suicidal thoughts. According to the FDA, the drug is classified as a hypnotic medication. With prolonged use, individuals with depressive disorders or other mental health disorders may experience more severe episodes or worsening symptoms. If this is noticed, a physician should be consulted immediately.
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