Monday, November 16, 2009

The Best Information on general health

Ambien Drug Side Effects, Are They Worth the Benefits?




I did what last night? That's the question some people who take the sleep promoting drug Ambien are asking. The reported, strange, drug side effects of Ambien have some patients and their doctors concerned. There are been reports in the medical literature of patients on Ambien saying and doing atypical things for which they have no memory. Patient's families have reported such abnormal behavior in the Ambien user as carrying out complex activities during the night including cleaning out the refrigerator, cooking complete meals, devouring large quantities of food, and even ordering expensive items online, all without any recollection of the event. Are these behaviors a direct result of the medication or are they a manifestation of whatever underlying problem is causing the insomnia? No one knows for sure.

Most patients taking Ambien for sleep won't experience these more bizarre drug side effects. The most common side effects of Ambien include drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea. In rare cases, an Ambien user can experience an allergic reaction manifesting as shortness of breath and swelling of the face and extremities. Other side effects include memory loss, confusion, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and changes in bowel habits. To reduce the incidence of side effects, it's recommended that Ambien be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime and should not be taken with alcohol or any other mood altering medication. Of course, an Ambien user should never operate machinery or drive while on the medication.

A final drug side effect of Ambien of concern is the potential for addiction. Once an Ambien user has taken the drug for a period of time, he may develop a certain level of tolerance to its effects, requiring that he use larger doses to achieve the same sleep inducing properties.When the individual attempts to discontinue or cut back on the medication, he experiences severe sleep problems requiring him to restart the medication. To avoid this potentially serious side effect of Ambien, it's important that the medication not be taken for a prolonged period of time without close medical supervision.

Now that you understand the potential Ambien drug side effects, you'll be better able to make an informed decision about using this medication for sleep promotion. Remember, no medication is without the potential for serious side effects and you should always consult with your doctor before starting a new medication.


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