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Ambien CR and Alcohol
The recommendations on combining alcohol and Ambien CR™ (zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets) are very clear. If you are taking Ambien CR, you should not use alcohol. This is because Ambien CR will increase the effects of the alcohol. This can include effects such as:
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Speech problems
- Memory blackout
- Severe depression
- Loss of consciousness.
(You can learn about other drugs that should not be used with Ambien CR -- or that should be used with caution -- by going to the eMedTV article Ambien CR Drug Interactions.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD