Ambien® (
zolpidem tartrate) is a prescription drug used for treating
insomnia in adults. Although most people do not experience any problems while taking this sleep aid, there are certain risks with Ambien that you should be aware of before starting treatment.
This medication has been known to cause memory loss (amnesia), when a person cannot remember what has happened for several hours after taking the medicine. There have also been reports of "sleep-driving," "sleep-eating," or other unusual behaviors in people taking sedative/hypnotic medications such as Ambien.
After a couple of weeks, Ambien may lose its effectiveness. This is why it should only be used for a short period of time (one to two days). Symptoms of
Ambien withdrawal are possible if the drug is used daily for a long time.
Other Ambien risks include the possibility of rebound insomnia (when a person has difficultly sleeping after stopping a sleep medicine), addiction, and suicidal thoughts. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you have
depression or a history of alcohol or substance abuse.
