Doctors prescribe Ambien, zolpidem tartrate, to aid insomniacs in getting restful sleep. The sedative is classified as a controlled substance and hypnotic medication that affects brain chemicals that interfere with sleep. Ambien can help those with sleep problems both in falling asleep and staying asleep for several hours. The nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic may be prescribed in doses of 5 or 10 milligrams, or mg, usually for seven to 10 days. Dosages are based on the individual's response to the medication, which should be monitored due to some dangerous side effects.
Sleep Activity, Memory Loss
Ambien can cause dangerous sleep activity. The Drugs.com website states that if you take Ambien, you could drive a car, cook and prepare a meal, make phone calls or wander without being fully awake. Besides the obvious dangers of accidentally putting yourself and others at risk, you may have no memory of the experience.
Lack of Alertness
Even after eight hours of sleep, some Ambien users have reported decreased alertness in their activities the following day. The Ambien website states that you may fail to be properly alert for driving or operating machinery the day after using Ambien. You may also suffer fatigue, dizziness and the decreased mental alertness that could interfere with proper decision making. If you can't ensure at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, you should not take the medication.
CNS Effects
Using central nervous system, or CNS, depressants while taking Ambien can seriously increase dangerous side effects from the drug. The RxList website states that CNS depressants like alcohol or antihistamines could greatly increase drowsiness, sleep activity, behavioral changes and respiratory difficulties. The site cautions against taking any other CNS depressants while taking Ambien.
Suicidal, Risky Behaviors
Taking Ambien could cause you to take unusually dangerous risks or carry out hallucinatory or suicidal acts. The Ambien product website warns that if you have a history of depression or other mental difficulties, you should avoid taking the drug because of the possible effects on already compromised thinking processes.
