Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic, antianxiety medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that Ambien is effective for treating patients who have trouble falling asleep. Ambien is a potent medication with many adverse reactions that affect multiple body systems.
General Side Effects
The NIH reports that the most common side effects of Ambien are drowsiness and dizziness. Some patients taking Ambien less than 10 days also reported diarrhea, and patients taking the medication longer than 25 days reported feeling drugged.
Other general side effects include fatigue, body aches, flu-type symptoms and, rarely, allergic reaction such as rash and itching. The NIH reports angioedema and anaphylactic shock as potential serious allergic reactions.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Ambien is reported to cause headache on awakening. Drowsiness, fatigue and lethargy may be experienced by some people. As reported by the NIH, prolonged use may cause a drugged feeling that may inhibit activities of daily living.
Anxiety, irritability and depression are also potential side effects of Ambien. The NIH advises using Ambien with caution in patients with depression, as Ambien may intensify feelings of depression.
Ambien has been reported to cause falls and confusion in elderly patients. Older adults and debilitated patients should be monitored closely for development of these side effects, as well as for the development of memory impairment. This is more common in doses greater than 10 mg.
The NIH warns that Ambien may cause abnormal thinking with complex behavior changes; sleep-driving and hallucinations have been reported. People taking Ambien should not drive or engage in any activities that require alertness or coordination. Ambien should be taken right before bedtime to benefit from its therapeutic effect and to help prevent injury from the side effects of impaired thinking and coordination.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting and dyspepsia (indigestion). Taking Ambien with food may help alleviate these symptoms; however, taking the medication with food does slow down the rate of absorption and onset of therapeutic effect.
Respiratory System Side Effects
Ambien has been reported to depress respiration in patients who have conditions that cause compromised respiratory function; use cautiously in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and those with sleep apnea. If a person taking Ambien experiences a respiratory rate of less than 12 breaths per minute, contact a physician immediately.
References
- National Institute of Health
- Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M. (2010). Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010. New York: Pearson.
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