It's the most popular drug for the treatment of insomnia, but it can have some strange side effects, especially if you don't take it properly,.
Drugs.com lists the following possible side effects:
- allergic reaction including difficulty breathing
- hallucinations
- abnormal behavior
- severe confusion
Other less serious side effects include headache, nausea, depression, muscle pain, vivid dreams, temporary amnesia, and others.
Drugs.com also mentions rebound insomnia. This sometimes occurs when you stop taking a sleep medication, and usually subsides in a night or two.
KEYC television reporter Amy Stone spoke with Keith Matos who is taking Ambien for insomnia. The instructions for the medication include the admonition to take the medication and immediately go to bed.
Matos decided to stay up and make a few phone calls. Later he couldn't remember making the calls, found out he'd said things that made no sense, and had done things around the house that he didn't recall doing. This is known as temporary amnesia.
Ambien has been proven beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. However it should be taken as directed.
- Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Take the medication and go right to bed.
- Do not increase the dosage.
- Don't stop taking it suddenly.
- Always report unusual side effects to your doctor.
- Don't take with alcohol or other sedatives. Tell your doctor what other medication you're taking.
As has been emphasized so often in my articles and elsewhere, sleep is very important to your health. Ambien can help if taken as directed.
