What Are the Dangers of Ambien?
Ambien is a prescription sleep medication used to treat insomnia, or difficulty sleeping. The drug is classified as a federally controlled substance because it has the potential to become habit forming. Ambien's Medication Guide states that the drug is intended for short-term use only and should be taken under doctor supervision because it has several potentially dangerous side effects.
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Addiction
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Ambien is only prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia because the body can develop a tolerance for the drug's sedative properties. After the body becomes used to the sedative, a person may require a higher quantity of the drug to produce the same results, which can lead to abuse or dependency. According to the Ambien Medication Guide, if a person abuses the medication and takes higher doses than recommended, his body can become physically addicted to the drug.
Activity
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According to the Ambien Medication Guide, one of the most common side effects of the drug is activity while asleep. A person may do things while still partially asleep and have no recollection the next day. Sleep activity while on Ambien can be dangerous, because people have been found to walk out of their homes while not fully awake. The Ambien Medication Guide reports instances of people driving their cars while on the drug, thus posing a danger to others as well as themselves.
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Behavioral
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Ambien can potentially alter a user's behaviors and thoughts. The Ambien Medication Guide states that the people taking the drug may become confused or irritable if they wake up while the medication is still effective. In some instances, Ambien may also cause hallucinations. The Ambien Medication Guide warns that the drug is not recommended for people who have suffered from depression because it can possibly worsen depression symptoms and cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Allergic Reactions
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The Ambien Medication Guide states that the drug can possibly trigger a fatal allergic reaction. During an allergic reaction to Ambien, a person may have difficulty breathing because the throat and tongue may swell. Nausea and vomiting are not normal side effects of the drug and are considered indicative of an allergic reaction to the drug. If an Ambien allergic reaction is not treated properly, it can result in death; however, the Ambien Medication Guide states that fatal allergic reactions are rare.
Preexisting Conditions
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According to the Ambien Medication Guide, the drug can be dangerous if a user has certain preexisting conditions. People who have suffered from substance abuse or addiction are advised not to take the drug due to its high risk for physical dependency. The Ambien Medication Guide warns that those with preexisting lung, liver or kidney diseases shouldn't use the drug because it can worsen the conditions. The drug can also cause sedation in unborn babies and is not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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