Ambien® (
zolpidem tartrate) is a prescription sleep medication licensed to treat
insomnia in adults. Just like any drug, Ambien may cause certain negative effects.
In research studies, up to 4 percent of people taking the sleep aid stopped treatment because of side effects. Some of the negative effects of Ambien that were reported during clinical trials 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.
Many other negative effects have been reported with Ambien. This and other sedative/hypnotic medications may cause temporary memory loss, life-threatening allergic reactions, and "sleep-driving" or "sleep-eating." Rebound insomnia is also possible when people stop taking Ambien.
Before you start taking it, talk to your healthcare provider about the specific effects of the medication to help ensure safe treatment and to minimize risks.
(Click Ambien Side Effects and Ambien Precautions and Warnings to learn more about the possible negative effects of Ambien, including a list of potentially serious side effects that require immediate medical attention, and what you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.)
