Insomnia Medication:Special Precautions While Taking Ambien

If you think you may need to take Ambien or similar insomnia medications for more than 7 to 10 days, you need to speak with your doctor. Insomnia medications are usually meant for shorter durations of time. Long-term usage may be an indication of underlying medical problem that should not be treated with insomnia medications.

Ambien may add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (medicines which slow down the central nervous system frequently resulting in drowsiness). Examples of central nervous system depressants may be antihistamines or medicines for hay fever, other allergies, colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, barbiturates, medicine for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics which also includes some dental anesthetics. You should always talk to your doctor if you're taking any of the above prior to taking Ambien or any other insomnia medications.

There are other special precautions you need to be considering when taking Ambien. If you’re an older person especially, you may become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, clumsy or unsteady, or you may become less alert than you normally are. Even though Ambien is taken at bedtime, there may be a residual effect in that you may remain sleepy upon rising. Also this insomnia medication may cause double vision or other vision problems. You should always make sure you know how you react to Ambien prior to driving or doing any other activities that may be hazardous to you if you are less than totally alert.

If you develop any strange or unusual thoughts when taking this insomnia medication you need to notify your physician immediately. Some of the changes that have been noted in some individuals are similar to those seen in people who drink alcohol and act in a manner that is not normal. Other changes that have been noted in some cases is that people may become confused, and have worsening of depression related hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), suicidal thoughts, and unusual excitement, nervousness or irritability.

If you have taken Ambien for a prolonged period of time, do not stop it without talking to your doctor first. Your physician may want you to taper it down gradually rather than stopping completely or abruptly. Stopping this insomnia medication suddenly may cause withdrawal side effects.

After taking Ambien or similar insomnia medications, you may have difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) for the first few nights after you stop taking it.

If you think you or someone you know has taken an overdose of Ambien, you need to get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this insomnia medication or drinking alcohol or other central nervous system depressants with Ambien may lead to breathing problems and unconsciousness. Some of the signs of an overdose are severe drowsiness, severe nausea or vomiting, staggering, and trouble breathing after taking too much of this insomnia medication.

Some information from The Consumer Drug Reference

Additional Information and webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate