Sleep Medications and their Possible Side Effects

Ambien belongs to a class of drugs known as hypnotics, and from some of the reported incidents related to  Ambien ingestion it appears to produce a somnambulistic state, which no doubt has been the cause of many road accidents, and possibly deaths.

One of the most prescribed sleeping medications, Ambien, has been linked to sleep-walking according to anecdotal reports. One reported instance was of a patient who had been taking ambien for a number of years, they awoke one morning to find a mess of empty eating utensils, and a pile of torn up paper all over the floor, they had no memory of the incident.

There have been many reports of driving while under the influence of Ambien, and having no memory of having driven the car. Other cases report accidents while driving, and waking to find themselves in jail and not knowing why they are there, for they have no memory of the accident.

One lady gained a huge amount of weight from her binge eating episodes in the middle of the night, and again she had no memory of her feasting. Other people have been arrested for shop-lifting while under the influence of Ambien, they also had no memory of their actions which resulted in their arrest. Alarms bells start to ring when you think of the number of drivers who are on the road, and under the influence of Ambien.

Apart from all of the above incidents of bizarre behaviour it may cause:an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion. headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;depression;  muscle aches or pains; vivid or abnormal dreams; or amnesia (memory loss) after a dose. A problem that may occur when sleep medicines are stopped is known as "rebound insomnia."  Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks.

Ambien may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.

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Non-benzodiazepines (common names include: Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, and Imovane), and
antidepressants (common names include: Desyrel and Trazadone).

Benzodiazepines:Anxiolytic (reduce anxiety), anticonvulsant (used against epileptic seizures),antispasmodic (muscle relaxant), sedative / hypnotic, amnesic (producing anterograde amnesia).

Side effects:Abdominal pain and discomfort ,agitation,dizziness,euphoria, dry mouth, flu-like  symptoms ,tremor,agoraphobia ,depersonalization, depression ,irrational fear and paranoid thoughts, lack of concentration and confusion ,rapid mood changes ,abuse and dependence.

Withdrawl from benzodiazepines may produce: Rebound REM sleep,anxiety, panic attacks, tachycardia, hypertension,depression, suicidal tendencies, tremor, perspiration, loss of appetite, delusions, dysphonia.

Sudden withdrawl from benzodiazepines may produce these symptoms: Convulsions, confusion, psychosis.

Because tolerance to benzodiazepines develops with frequent use, the dosage may need to be increased, and with increased dosage the side effects caused by the drug will be incapable of being relieved.

Benzodiazepines (common names include: Dalmane, Klonopin, Doral, Halcion, Ativan, Xanax, Restoril, Serax, Centrax, ProSom, and Rohypnol).

Reference: Nursing 95 Drug Handbook.Publisher: Springhouse Corporation, Springhouse,Pennsylvania.

An article which  appeared in the NCTimes 3/14/07 reported:

A recent warning from the FDA : All sleeping pills can sometimes cause sleep driving, no numbers were released regarding the occurrence of sleep driving. All sleeping pills must carry warnings on their labels about two rare but serious side effects from sleeping pills. Sleeping pills will soon carry medication guide inserts which explain the possible side effects.

Some sleeping pills may be more dangerous than others, the following are the ones which pose more of a risk : Ambien; Butisol sodium; Carbrital; Dalmane; Doral; Halcion; Lunesta; Placidyl; Prosom; Restoril; Rozerem; Seconal; Sonata.

Read more:Chronotherapy for Delayed Onset Sleep Disorder