Physicians prescribe Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate) to patients who have difficulty sleeping (insomnia). The extended release tablet is made with a quick dissolving outer coat to aid the patient in falling asleep quickly, with an inner, slower dissolving layer to help the patient stay asleep. The central nervous system (CNS) depressant should only be used for a short term (2 weeks) unless your physician sees the need of the medication due to other underlying, chronic disorders that prevent sleep. Patients have reported a variety of side effects from using Ambien CR.
Unconscious Activity
Ambien CR may cause you to do things you aren't aware of at the time and have no memory of later. Mayo Clinic staff say taking Ambien CR can cause you to sleepwalk, drive a car in your sleep, or even have sex without awareness. You may make phone calls, make and eat a meal or do other things unconsciously.
Unscheduled Drowsiness
Taking Ambien CR may make you fall asleep before you want to, or it may make you feel drowsy, confused or dizzy after you have awakened and need to be alert. The Ambien CR website states the lack of alertness and grogginess you may feel the day after taking Ambien CR dictates the need to avoid driving or operating machinery because of dangerous accidents that could happen. The website states you should have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep when taking the medication, you should take it as near sleep time as possible, and don't take it when traveling if a situation may arise where you need to be alert.
Addiction
Ambien CR acts as a hypnotic and can be habit forming, especially with the elderly, who tend to be more sensitive to the medication. The Drugs.com website states Ambien CR may become addictive, with the patient feeling she must take the medication in order to sleep. You may become dependent on Ambien CR both for sleep and a sense of well-being to the point of addiction and needing the medication other than for insomnia.
Withdrawal Sickness
Trying to stop taking the Ambien CR may result in withdrawal sickness of headaches, nausea, itching or irritability. The RxList.com website states that even after a short duration of taking Ambien CR, such as a week, you should gradually reduce the dosage while under a doctor's care and with frequent reports to your physician. Withdrawal side effects may include stomach pains, sweating, behavioral changes and extreme anxiety. The after-effects of stopping Ambien CR may leave you with worse insomnia than you experienced before taking the medication.
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