Ambien, a sedative-hypnotic medication approved for the treatment of insomnia, is the brand name for the generic medication zolpidem. It is manufactured by sanofi-aventis. Ambien has a number of common side effects including daytime drowsiness, dizziness and headache but may also cause a number of bizarre or unusual side effects, which though rare, may be dangerous.
Sleep Behaviors
Sleepwalking and performing other unusual behaviors while not fully awake have been reported by patients who have taken Ambien. Several cases of sleep-driving or operating an automobile have been reported; in some cases automobile collisions have resulted. Other patients have reported performing activities such as preparing and eating food while asleep and riskier behaviors such as shoplifting and having sexual intercourse while asleep. These side effects are rare and may be increased when combined with alcohol or taking too much Ambien. Because of these possible side effects, in 2007 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that strong warnings of potentially dangerous adverse events be placed on Ambien drug information.
Amnesia
Sedative-hypnotic medication including Ambien and other medications such as benzodiazepines have been shown to cause amnesia in some patients. Known as retrograde amnesia, the patient may perform activities while appearing to be fully awake but will not remember them the next morning. This may be disturbing, particularly if unusual behavior has occurred.
Bizarre Dreams
Vivid or unusual dreams have been reported by some patients. Most of the occurrences suggest bizarre but non-threatening dreams that have occurred after taking Ambien. Incidence may be increased with larger than normal doses and when combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol.
Psychiatric Changes
In some patients, Ambien may lower the impulse control threshold. Aggression and abnormal extroverted behavior has been experienced by some patients and is listed as a warning for taking Ambien by the manufacturer. Other psychiatric changes such as agitation, irritability and increased incidence of depression have also been reported. Ambien may also increase the chance for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in those patients who are already depressed. Sanofi-aventis has advised physicians to evaluate co-existing psychiatric conditions before prescribing Ambien.
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