The Side Effects of Ambien: Prescription for a Nightmare

Prescribed for:
Zolpidem (Ambien) is used to treat sleep problems (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and. reduce the number of times you wake up during the night.

The Basics on How to use:
This medication is usually limited to short-term treatment periods of 1-2 weeks or less. Although I personally don't know anyone who has benefited from that short of a time frame.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once nightly immediately before bedtime on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. Do not take it with food because the effect of the medication will be delayed.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy. Do not take more than 10 milligrams per day.

Although unlikely, this drug can infrequently cause temporary memory loss. To avoid this effect, do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep that lasts at least 7-8 hours

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain. fast/pounding heartbeat, unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., new or worsening depression, rare thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, anxiety), memory loss, unsteadiness. I think I'd rather just stay awake...

Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs:

Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("sleep-driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. If you discover that you have experienced any of these events, tell your doctor immediately.

My Experience:

Due to my inability to stay asleep through the night, I was prescribed a low dose of Ambien. I didn't have any idea what it would do. If it would work or not. There was no preconceived notion on my end, just a hope for a full night of sleep. Around 9:00pm I took my first dose. I remember setting something on the bed, sitting down and then falling face first into the comforter. That was it. I woke up the next morning and my husband said that it was like I just passed out. It kicked in within 10 minutes. I woke up, not to groggy and was ecstatic with the results. Around 10pm the next night I was ready for my second dose. As before, within 10 minutes, I was out. Only this time when I woke, there was a bag of potato chips next to the bed and big salty crumbs on my face. I found it quite amusing. The first time. The habit continued for a few more nights until I had my husband put all snacks up out of my reach. Believing I had myself covered, I took my bedtime best friend and went to sleep. The next morning I woke up exhausted. My husband turned to me and said "do you remember what happened last night? You were talking in your sleep." a little surprised, I asked "What was I saying?" he looked down and said "You were coming on to me! You kept trying to grab me and telling me you wanted me." Ahem. Maybe a little to much TMI? I digress. I was a little embarrassed, as I am now recounting it but figured it was better the weight I was putting on sleep eating! So again my ritual of Ambien continued.

The night continued as usual. I took my pill and laid back half listening to the t.v. I remember asking for something but pretty much asleep and not knowing what I'd do with it. It turned out I had asked for an empty plastic bag. I took the bag and put it over my head and twisted it shut. I took deep breaths in and vaguely recall a warm happy place. Until my husband ripped it off my head and started yelling at me. I responded by falling face first into his lap. I awoke the next morning horrified to a scared and angry husband. I didn't think so much of it at the time, but as the day progressed, I got frantic. What if I lived alone? How close did I come to not ever waking up? I know some people on this drug who think it's a God send and couldn't do without out it. I believe if I keep taking it, I'd be sent to God.

Sources

www.webmd.com