Advanced Alternative
Medicine Center


320 Robinson Ave Newburgh, NY 12550

Serving All Your Heath Care Needs ... Naturally!

(845)561-BACK
 (2225)
Dr. Richard A. Huntoon

Newburgh Chiropractor

 

Ambien Side Effects: for Insomnia/ a sleep aid

For Patients

Ambien (zolpidem) belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Ambien (zolpidem) is used for treating insomnia. A generic formulation is available. The most common side effects of Ambien (zolpidem) are drowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes. Ambien (zolpidem) can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures). The recommended adult dose of Ambien (zolpidem) is 10 mg as conventional tablets or spray or 12.5 mg as extended-release tablets. Alcohol has an additive effect with Ambien (zolpidem) and the two should not be combined. Ambien (zolpidem) should not be combined with other sedative drugs because of the additive effects. Sporanox (itraconazole) and ketoconazole may increase the blood concentration of Ambien (zolpidem). Rifadin, Rimactane (rifampin) may reduce the concentration of Ambien (zolpidem). There are no adequate studies of Ambien (zolpidem) use in pregnant women. Ambien (zolpidem) is excreted in human breast milk and may adversely affect the infant.

Our Ambien (zolpidem) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ambien in Detail - Patient Information: Side Effects

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: depression, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using zolpidem and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effects:

  • chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, feeling short of breath;
  • trouble breathing or swallowing; or
  • feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
  • tired feeling, loss of coordination;
  • dry mouth, nose or throat irritation;
  • nausea, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach;
  • stuffy nose, sore throat; or
  • headache, muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ambien Overview - Patient Information: Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you have daytime drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: memory loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new/worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety).

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. This problem can be dangerous to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. Your risk is increased if you use alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy while taking zolpidem.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are currently taking prescription medication for your symptoms and are interested in building more health and perhaps getting off your medication by addressing the cause of your health concern, please call the office and let us discuss your options.  I will work with your medical doctor to restore your health and reduce or eliminate the need for medication.


Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:

To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.

Your Choice

Health concerns are a major source of lost happiness and lost joy in all of our lives. Finding a solution that is agreeable and enables you to get back to your life is important. Please appreciate that you always have the more invasive surgery and prescription medication available to you as a last resort. What many Traditional Medical Doctors may not share is, many times, once you begin that journey into medication and/or surgery, it alters your original body from the one that you were born with. Unfortunately, at that time, more conservative and natural treatments may no longer be viable. I encourage you to consider that before making any decisions about treatment for your health. As always I am here to help. 
 
Your Choice:
 
  • Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse

OR

  • Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.
 
The Choice is Yours
 
Please call Dr. Huntoon at 845-561-BACK (2225) to discuss your options or click on our E-Visit to do it via e-mail. 
 
Thank You for your consideration.

Copyright 2014 Advanced Alternative Medicine Center

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