{"id":22357,"date":"2021-03-15T13:00:44","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T17:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=22357"},"modified":"2025-07-22T15:51:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T19:51:00","slug":"ambien-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ambien-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Ambien side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is a brand-name prescription sleep-inducing drug used for the occasional treatment of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sleep-remedies-for-coronavirus-anxiety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insomnia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Ambien reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increases sleep duration. As with all sedative-hypnotic drugs, it is important to fully understand the drug\u2019s potential side effects, warnings, and drug interactions before taking the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Ambien with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAmbien 10 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.67<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$8.67<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Ambien prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-ambien\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects of Ambien are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intoxication (drugged feeling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sinus congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Memory problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vision problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye redness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attention problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Palpitations\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of these side effects are short-term and will subside in a few hours to a day after taking Ambien.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-ambien\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien slows down the brain, so Ambien\u2019s most serious side effects are related to its effects on the brain. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving, etc)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next-day mental impairment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion and severe disorientation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/depression-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidality<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reactions such as a sudden drop in blood pressure (anaphylaxis), shortness of breath, or airway closure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dependency, abuse, and withdrawal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien includes an FDA black-box warning for complex sleep behaviors\u2014normal waking activities performed while asleep such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, sleep cooking, or similar activities. Complex sleep behaviors caused by zolpidem can result in injury, death, and even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3505131\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homicide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Ambien will be immediately discontinued if complex sleep behaviors are experienced while taking the drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of the risk for dependency and abuse, Ambien is classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). It is not approved for long-term use. Also, zolpidem worsens depression, so Ambien should not be taken by people with depression.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who take prescription sleep aids may be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopen.bmj.com\/content\/2\/1\/e000850\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three to five times<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more likely to die or contract cancer than people who don\u2019t take sleeping pills. The reasons for this are not well-understood. However, the risk is dose-dependent, so it is lowest for people who take sleep medicine only a few times a year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ambien-memory-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien memory loss<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Ambien produced clinically significant memory loss in less than 1% of patients taking the recommended dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When zolpidem affects memory, patients do not lose existing memories. Instead, the brain loses the ability to form new memories, a condition called anterograde amnesia. While clinically significant memory loss is very rare, nearly everyone who takes Ambien will experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3280925\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some degree of memory impairment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The effects are temporary, and memory improves when the drug is discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien has also been associated with an increased risk of dementia\u2014a general deterioration in mental function\u2014in the elderly. For this and other reasons, the recommended dose for the elderly is half the adult dose.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ambien-hallucinations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien hallucinations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In clinical trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, less than 1% of patients reported visual or auditory hallucinations (false perceptions). Hallucinations are more likely to be experienced by people with existing neurological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mental illness, or use of other mind-altering drugs. Hallucinations are more common among children and the elderly than adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some cases where patients taking zolpidem have experienced <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/delirium-vs-dementia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delirium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, that is, severe confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. Ambien-induced delirium, however, is an extremely rare side effect and seems to be limited to the elderly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ambien-vs-ambien-cr-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien vs. Ambien CR side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien can be taken in immediate-release (Ambien) or extended-release format (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ambien-cr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien CR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Immediate-release Ambien is prescribed to help people fall asleep at night, but Ambien CR is intended to help people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. It combines a standard dose of immediate-release Ambien with a smaller dose of extended-release Ambien.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because Ambien CR is released more slowly into the body, it causes more pronounced residual effects the day after it was taken. This includes mental impairment, memory impairment, and lack of coordination. Patients taking Ambien CR should avoid next-day activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"title\">Ambien vs. Ambien CR common side effects<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Side effect<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Ambien<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Ambien CR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daytime drowsiness and mental impairment<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2714<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-ambien-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do Ambien side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien is quickly metabolized by the body and falls to undetectable levels in the bloodstream in less than a day. Higher doses, however, may remain in the system for as long as three days. Side effects typically do not last longer than these periods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If Ambien is used chronically or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms may begin six to eight hours after the drug is discontinued and last as long as one to two weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ambien-contraindications-warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien contraindications &amp; warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare providers prescribe Ambien cautiously and will monitor patients carefully. Several red flags may prompt a healthcare provider to either avoid prescribing the drug in the first place or discontinue an existing prescription, such as complex sleep behaviors, allergic reactions, depression, underlying medical conditions, history of substance abuse, and other existing conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"complex-sleep-behaviors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complex sleep behaviors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because Ambien may cause potentially dangerous complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, sleep-eating, and similar sleep disorders, Ambien is not prescribed to patients who have experienced complex sleep behaviors. Ambien will be immediately discontinued at the first instance of complex sleep behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"allergic-reactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien will also be discontinued if it causes a severe allergic reaction involving anaphylaxis\u2014a sudden drop in blood pressure\u2014or angioedema (skin swelling), a condition marked by symptoms such as trouble breathing and airway obstruction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"depression\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien can worsen symptoms of depression, so it will be prescribed with caution to patients with depression. In addition, Ambien may interact with certain antidepressant medications (SSRIs and MAO inhibitors), so these prescriptions may need to be modified.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"underlying-medical-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Underlying medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 Problems with falling asleep or staying asleep are often a symptom of an underlying psychiatric or physical illness. Ambien may not be the right therapy if the underlying condition can be treated. Ambien, then, is not prescribed until a thorough physical and psychiatric evaluation has been made.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"existing-medical-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Existing medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien slows down breathing, so patients with pre-existing respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), myasthenia gravis, or sleep apnea may require special precautions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with liver disease, myasthenia gravis, respiratory disease, or a history of drug abuse or mental illness may also not be suitable candidates for Ambien or Ambien CR. Ambien will be prescribed with caution at a lower dose for the elderly, women, children, and debilitated patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pregnancy-and-breastfeeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zolpidem will cross the placenta and enter a fetus\u2019 bloodstream. Newborns may experience respiratory depression, sedation, poor muscle tone, and withdrawal symptoms if Ambien is taken late in pregnancy. Breastfeeding infants are also exposed to tiny amounts of Ambien in breast milk. Healthcare providers are cautious about using zolpidem in the third trimester of a pregnancy or in women who are nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ambien-withdrawal\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When used as directed, Ambien causes dependence and withdrawal in less than 1% of patients <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">according to clinical and postmarketing trials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, if Ambien is used chronically or in high doses, dependence and withdrawal are more likely.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Withdrawal symptoms can be mild or severe depending on how much Ambien is being taken and how quickly the drug is discontinued. These symptoms can start within a few hours of suddenly stopping the medication, reducing the dosage, or missing a dose. Symptoms include sleeplessness (rebound insomnia), anxiety, drug cravings, irritability, aggression, mood changes, tremors, fatigue, panic attacks, and rapid heartbeat. The most serious withdrawal symptoms are seizures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ambien-overdose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien is a relatively safe medication when taken at the recommended dosage of 5 mg to 10 mg in a single 24-hour period. Ambien overdose (70 mg in 24 hours) or combining Ambien with similar depressants can cause hazardous and potentially fatal side effects. Ambien primarily slows the brain, so an overdose can result in confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, or coma. It also slows the heart rate and breathing, a potentially life-threatening side effect. Ambien overdose has been known to cause fatalities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ambien-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien is considered a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, that is, it slows down the brain. Ambien can enhance the sedative, motor impairment, and side effects of other CNS depressants or vice versa.\u00a0 For this reason, healthcare providers will try to avoid combining Ambien with other CNS depressants such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Alcohol, marijuana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, cannabinoids, melatonin supplements, valerian root, or kava<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antihistamines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as promethazine, azelastine, or doxylamine\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Barbiturates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as secobarbital, butalbital, or butabarbital<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Narcotics (opioids)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sedatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as Belsomra (suvorexant), zaleplon, or Dayvigo (lemborexant)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Benzodiazepines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as alprazolam, diazepam, temazepam, or lorazepam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Muscle relaxants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as orphenadrine, baclofen, or chlorphenesin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anxiety medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as buspirone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nerve pain drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as gabapentin or pregabalin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nausea medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as metoclopramide, alizapride, or droperidol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anticonvulsants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as carbamazepine, rufinamide, or valproic acid<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Parkinson\u2019s disease medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine, or piribedil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><b>antipsychotic drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as levomepromazine, methotrimeprazine, haloperidol, or blonanserin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>narcolepsy drug<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Xyrem (sodium oxybate)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the use of other CNS depressants can\u2019t be avoided, the Ambien dose may be reduced or the other prescriptions may be modified. When taking Ambien, patients should not take CNS depressants or alcohol near bedtime. Combining Ambien with over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will also increase the risk and severity of Ambien side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ambien will enhance the side effects and toxicity of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), drugs normally prescribed to treat depression. Again, the prescribing doctor may modify therapy or reduce the Ambien dose. MAO inhibitors, another class of antidepressants that include Marplan (isocarboxazid) and Nardil (phenelzine), will decrease the effectiveness of Ambien, so the prescribing physician will need to monitor therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drugs, particularly anticancer immunotherapy drugs, increase the body\u2019s ability to metabolize and eliminate Ambien from the body. These drugs decrease the blood concentration and effectiveness of Ambien. Some of the most common are Taflinar (dabrafenib), Tibsovo (ivosidenib), Balversa (erdafitinib), Lorbrena (lorlatinib), Kevzara (sarilumab), Sylvant (siltuximab), Actemra (tocilizumab), Xtandi (enzalutamide), Lysodren (mitotane), and bosentan. Some corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and budesonide also may decrease Ambien\u2019s effectiveness. St. John\u2019s wort, a popular herbal supplement, also decreases the concentration and effectiveness of Ambien in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other drugs and foods, however, increase the concentration of Ambien in the blood and so increase the risk of Ambien side effects. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grapefruit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, peppermint oil, and goldenseal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain types of antibiotics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antifungal (azole) drugs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as itraconazole or ketoconazole<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain types of antiviral medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as ritonavir, atazanavir, darunavir, Invirase (saquinavir), and Crixivan (indinavir)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blood pressure medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as verapamil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Benzodiazepine sedatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as diazepam and midazolam<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Corticosteroids <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as dexamethasone or fluticasone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drugs, foods, or supplements don\u2019t need to be discontinued or modified. However, it\u2019s important for people taking these drugs along with Ambien to be careful about engaging in potentially risky activities that require mental alertness such as driving, operating machinery, or participating in dangerous activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-ambien-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid Ambien side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most drugs cause side effects, and Ambien is no different. Because Ambien slows down the brain, most of the side effects are related to its sedative properties: sleepiness, dizziness, motor impairment, slow reflexes, and decreased alertness. You can reduce the risk of side effects by following a few simple rules of thumb:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-take-ambien-as-directed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.\u00a0 Take Ambien as directed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be prescribed a nighttime dose of 5 mg, 10 mg, or if taking Ambien CR, 12.5 mg. Do not exceed this dosage or take more than two pills in a 24-hour period even if the first dose doesn\u2019t work. The dose will be reduced for women, the elderly, or people taking other types of drugs, so don\u2019t try to increase the dose to the \u201cnormal\u201d dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-tell-your-doctor-about-all-your-medical-conditions-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2.\u00a0 Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of the risk of side effects, you should tell your doctor about:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any physical conditions you may have, particularly liver problems or respiratory disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your history with psychiatric conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any alcohol use, recreational drug use, or history of substance abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any mental impairment you may be experiencing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All medications you are currently taking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All over-the-counter medications and supplements you typically take<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potentially dangerous daytime activities that you engage in, such as operating heavy machinery or driving to work<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always talk to your doctor about any side effects experienced when taking a prescription medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-practice-good-sleep-hygiene\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.\u00a0 Practice good sleep hygiene<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should use Ambien as infrequently as possible. The safest use of Ambien is to develop good sleep hygiene and take the medication <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">only when all else fails<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid stimulating activities such as television watching or video games before bedtime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Develop nighttime relaxation habits such as taking a hot bath, meditating, or doing yoga for a half-hour or an hour before bedtime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to bed at the same time each night. Some people set an alarm for bedtime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn off the light and eliminate all distractions when going to bed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise every day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugar that interfere with the ability to fall asleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"4-avoid-certain-foods-supplements-and-drugs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4.\u00a0 Avoid certain foods, supplements, and drugs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some foods, herbs, and drugs enhance the adverse effects of Ambien. Your healthcare provider can help you navigate the drug interactions between Ambien and any prescription drugs you\u2019re taking. To take Ambien safely, you should avoid alcohol, marijuana, grapefruit, melatonin supplements, valerian root, cannabidiol, chamomile, goldenseal, lemon balm, passionflower, calendula, gotu kola, and over-the-counter antihistamines. All of these substances increase the sedative effects of Ambien and increase the risk of side effects, particularly next-day mental impairment. Before you start taking any dietary supplements or herbal medicines, talk to your prescribing physician first.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) is a brand-name prescription sleep-inducing drug used for the occasional treatment of insomnia. Ambien reduces the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increases sleep duration. As with all sedative-hypnotic drugs, it is important to fully understand the drug\u2019s potential side effects, warnings, and drug interactions before taking the medication. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22411,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752,816],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-22357","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","tag-sleep","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ambien side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Headache, drowsiness, and muscle pain are some Ambien side effects that can occur while adjusting to the medication. 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