My mom is taking ambien now and she is having terrible hallucinations. She has fell once and the second time she almost fell and hit her head. She has had problems with this medication and we are trying to convince her to try something with less side effects. She talks about the unicorns dancing and weird things like that. She as me had no recollection of doing so aside from the people who were there to make sure she was okay. She does have a history of drug abuse and depression. Be aware of the known side effects of the medication you take and only take as prescribed.

I am thinking some of the doctors are overprescribing these meds. I can’t even imagine taking 5-6 10mgs a night. I do know it can be habit forming. Whenever there is a night I can’t or try not to take it, I am literally up all night long.

My point is that this can be beneficial, but my advice would be if you can’t be successful with 10mg then maybe you should try something else. Don’t take more and more. Who knows what could happen.

Amanda

I thought I would comment here for those who are worried about relatives or friends taking this medication. It is an effective sleep aid but like all medications it has side effects and they vary greatly from person to person. That being said, there are 2 major side effects to consider… amnesia firstly and sucidal thoughts.

Both of these side effects must be related to the patient and his/her relatives. You must speak openly about these issues with ALL family members, the patient and the doctor. The first problem is a problem with nearly 100% of those who take the drug. I have driven, walked, eaten, cleaned and even had sex (repeatedly) an have no memory (or tiny bits and oeices) in the morning. The only way to combat these issues is to only take the med once you are in bed. If the effects kick in while you are still walking around, anything is possible. It only takes about 10 minutes for full effects to take hold, even with people who have taken the drug for a long time. I take the med once I have laid down. It is still possible to get up and sleepwalk, etc. but this is the best preventative solution. Obviously, since I am in bed, sleep-sex is still a very possible event. My wife enjoys it so it’s not a huge issue but one to be noted. I don’t think this drug should be taken by ANYONE WHO LIVES ALONE! Supervision is critical!

The sucidal thoughts are similar and about as likely as with any mood altering drug from anti-depressants to alcohol, etc. All these things cause brain chemistry changes and those can always lead to variations of personality and behavior. But I am convinced that anyone who takes their life on these meds don’t do it BECAUSE of the med. Depression is still the likely cause but these drugs do alter perception and will often make a person more likelt to do something without the normal “fear mechanism” kicking in. In other words, those who commit suicide while taking these drugs (especially within the first few days of administering the drug since chemical balances are out of whack) did so and thought about it before hand in almost all instances. But a person’s normal “fight or flight” emotion and lack of conscience often make sucide much more appealing while under the influence. Again, communication is the most important tool. Ask a prospective patient to be honest with themselves and promise loved ones to discuss suicidal thoughts if they come up more frequently after begining treatment.

For the guy thinking about filing a lawsuit… first of all, you would have to prove that the manufacturer knew of this issues and issued the drug to pharmacies and doctors without explaining the possibilities. This is not the case. The side effects are well known in the indutry and the drug comes with MANY warnings. “Let the buyer beware” is the message. I agree that suicide is considerably more important than buying a product and getting cheated, etc. But all patients musr be aware of the risks and only take if the benefits outweigh the risks. If a person seems depressed, which is very likely with a person suffering from insomnia, the drug should not be taken or only prescribed with adequate family education and supervision.

It’s not a bad drug. Lunesta is far better and I highly recommend that Ambien user ask their physicians about switching. But there are still risks and the drug is often too new to be picked up by insurance. I think these drugs, along with anti-depressants, etc are likr firearms… they don’t kill people but they make death far more possible.

–David

My god, I feel for you. I’ve got legal problems too, and I know nothing is worse than being accused of something you didn’t do. I wish you the best with your case. I hope the morning brings you some kind of hope. I am very sorry for your troubles.

–Josh