Ambien Side Effects

Some people may experience side effects while taking Ambien. Side effects may include lightheadedness, difficulty with coordination, and dry mouth, among other things. The majority of side effects are minor and do not require treatment, but there are also a number of potential Ambien side effects that should be reported to a healthcare provider, such as confusion, strange behavior, and depression.

 

Ambien Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Ambien® (zolpidem tartrate). However, not everyone who takes Ambien will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate Ambien well. When side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
In previous research studies, up to 4 percent of people taking Ambien stopped their medicine because of side effects. There also appears to be a relationship between the Ambien dosage and side effects. This is why it is recommended that you take the smallest possible dose of Ambien for sleep.
 
(The Ambien side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Ambien side effects with you.)
 

Common Ambien Side Effects

Ambien has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with 3,660 people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented. Based on these studies, the most common Ambien side effects included:
 
  • Daytime drowsiness -- in up to 8 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- up to 5 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 3 percent
  • Difficulty with coordination -- up to 3 percent
  • Lightheadedness -- up to 2 percent.
     
Other Ambien side effects (occurring in more than 1 percent of patients) included, but were not limited to:
 
  • Dry mouth
  • Allergic reaction
  • Heart palpitations
  • Tiredness
  • Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
  • Unexplained rash
  • Abnormal dreams.
     
(Ambien Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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