ambien side effects : What is the recommended dosing?

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The recommended dose of Ambien for adults is 10 mg immediately before bedtime. In elderly and/or debilitated patients and in patients with hepatic insufficiency, an initial dose of 5 mg is recommended. No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with compromised renal function; however, as a general precaution, these patients should be closely monitored. Downward dosage adjustment may be necessary when Ambien is administered with agents having known CNS-depressant effects, because of the potentially additive effects.

Reported Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ambien and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or
• hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• depression
• muscle aches or pains
• vivid or abnormal dreams
• amnesia (memory loss) after a dose, sometimes significant

The most common side effects seen were:

• daytime drowsiness in 2%
• dizziness in 1%
• diarrhea in 1%

Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• Drink alcohol
• Have a history of alcohol or drug dependency
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Have any breathing difficulties, such as asthma, bronchitis
• Have emphysema
• Have a history of heavy snoring
• Are depressed
• Have kidney or liver disease

This medication may also cause double vision or other vision problems.

Long Term Effects

During longer-term treatment (28 to 35 nights) in controlled clinical trials at doses less than 10 mg, the most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Ambien and seen at statistically significant differences from placebo-treated patients were dizziness (5%) and drugged feelings (3%).

Does Ambien increase total sleep time?

Yes it does. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study, subjective measurements showed Ambien significantly increased total sleep time compared to a placebo for all 4 weeks.

Switching to Ambien?

There are no definitive clinical trials that address switching from other sleep medications to Ambien. Therefore, it is advisable to allow for an adequate washout period when switching from other sleeping pills, particularly long half-life products like benzodiazepines.

Discontinuing Ambien

As a general precautionary measure, gradual tapering off of the sleeping medication rather than abrupt discontinuation may be needed. This helps to minimize the potential for withdrawal reactions.

Storing Ambien

Store Ambien at room temperature away from moisture, heat and children, but not in the bathroom.  

Notes on Ambien

If insomnia persists beyond the 7 to 10 day treatment this may indicate the presence of a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that should be evaluated.

Ambien works within 15 to 30 minutes. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities after taking Ambien.

Ambien should be taken just before bedtime but you may experience some carryover effects the next day.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Ambien. Alcohol will increase drowsiness and may increase dizziness, which could be dangerous.

Do not stop taking Ambien suddenly if you have been taking it for several weeks. This may cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Talk to your doctor if you need to stop treatment with Ambien.

Ambien is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby.

Do not take Ambien without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Ambien passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.