Ambien Side Effects
Previous research studies have demonstrated the many possibilities of Ambien sleeping pill side effects by finding that up to 4% of all individuals who use this medication stop taking it due to its side effects.
In clinical trials where Ambien (Zolpidem), a hypnotic and sedative sleeping pill, was extensively studied among 3,660 individuals taking the medication, side effects occurring most frequently included: drowsiness during the daytime in up to 8% of Zolpidem users, dizziness in up to 5%, difficulty with coordination in up to 3%, diarrhea in up to 3%, and lightheadedness in up to 2%.
Additional benzodiazepine side effects which were found to occur in more than 1% of individuals who take Zolpidem can include, but are not limited to: heart palpitations, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, tiredness, allergic reactions, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and an unexplained rash. There are several sleeping pill side effects that should be reported to a healthcare provider, however, any side effects whether they are severe or not should be taken seriously. Individuals may often deem side effects as better than having to deal with insomnia or other symptoms sleeping pills may help with. However, no one must suffer these side effects, as there are many potentially effective alternatives.
Serious Ambien sedative side effects include: confusion, suicidal thoughts, strange behaviors, uncharacteristic aggressiveness, depression, more outgoing behavior and other behavior changes; hallucinations (hearing, feeling, or seeing things that are not real), restlessness, agitation, slurred speech, vision changes, coordination problems, and fainting. Rare Ambien sleeping pill side effects were found during clinical studies to occur in 1% or less of individuals taking the drug, these rare side effects include: sleepwalking, amnesia, impotence (erectile dysfunction), constipation, and high blood pressure (hypertension). Individuals who take too much can become exceedingly drowsy and even slip into a coma; symptoms of overdose can prove fatal and may be more severe when an individual has been taking other central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs.
Ambien may also aggravate sleep apnea, mental depression, and liver or kidney disease which may cause higher blood levels of this drug; therefore increasing the risk of side effects and another aspect of its side effects are symptoms of sleeping pill withdrawal. Extreme caution should be used with sedative sleeping pills if individuals have a history of alcohol or drug addiction, as sedative dependence can develop. Prolonged sedative use is likely to cause dependence upon the drug and it may be very difficult for individuals to stop taking this medication without help.
Alternative to Meds Center works with collaborating doctors to handle sleeping pill withdrawals. Our methods include careful drug tapering techniques, the use of natural substances for neurochemical support, removal of accumulated neurotoxins due to the medication or environmental sources, peer support, and many therapies designed to benefit these individuals by promoting relaxation, including: acupuncture, massage, meditation, and sauna therapy. We often find neurotoxins such as heavy metal toxins causing over-stimulation of the nervous system in individuals with insomnia. This may be what led to the initial use of prescription sedatives and subsequently, Ambien sleeping pill side effects.
Learn more about the possible reasons why sedatives were prescribed in the first place and how we can help you through Ambien withdrawal.