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Ambien sleepwalking is rife
posted by Dr. Arnold Swathier on 20 Mar 2006 at 6:05 amI have lots of patients on Ambien. At least half experience either sleepwalking, memory loss or problems driving.
For the makers to say these side-effects are rare, is a joke!!!
Read the news article that this opinion was posted about:
How Many Ambien Patients Get Up At Night And Remember Nothing?
| previous page | post followup | alert a moderator | view all opinions on this news article |
| Appreciate Professional Opinion |
| posted by Sheila on 20 Mar 2006 at 6:00 pm |
| Thank you Dr.Swathier for posting your professional opinion. In my personal experience, it is rare to see a physician disagree with the statements made by a pharmacutical company. I appreciate your honesty. Any suggestions for an alternative medication? |
| Sleepwalking Experience on Ambien |
| posted by Nancy Krause on 12 May 2006 at 6:27 pm |
| After experiencing a scary sleepwalking experience on Ambien, I am appalled that this drug is stil on the market, especially given the amount of testimony on the internet and class action suit. Horrid drug!! |
| Ambien Black-Out |
| posted by Elizabeth on 12 Jun 2006 at 11:56 pm |
|
I have taken ambien a little over 30 times over the past year and had never had any problems with it until last night. I took a 5mg Ambien at about 10:30 last night and apaently I called several people after 11:00 PM and had conversations that I do not remember at all. Infact, I don't remember making the calls or doing anything at all for that matter. My friends told me about the conversations and said that I sounded drunk.
I was not drinking alchohol or taking any other medication and this was only a 5mg dose. I was so disturbed by my complete memory loss, or black-out, that I did a web search on side-effects of Ambien and I am completely freaked out by what I have found. I can't even read all the accounts that are posted, most very similar or just like my experience, many much worse! These testimonials go back to 2000/2001 and this is very disterbing to me. Why is this drug still available. Where is the FDA? |
| Ambien - Very Scary |
| posted by Denise on 14 Aug 2006 at 8:25 am |
| I took 10mg of Ambien. The next morning I was recalling what I thought was a dream. I put hair removing cream on my hands and arms. I laughed it off until I found the empty container on the bathroom vanity and my arms were slick as a baby's behind. It was not a dream! I was not warned about these possible side effects either. Glad I didn't drive my car or put the cream on my head! |
| Sleepwalking with Ambien |
| posted by phil on 27 Aug 2006 at 2:09 pm |
| Have taken Ambien 10mg every night for the past two months. On this past Thurs night I tripped over the doggie ramp in the bedroom and fell on it. The breath was knocked out of me as I hit the ramp with my rib cage. Thats what woke me up! I have sore ribs and two bruised knees. |
| I Know An Ambien Sleepwalker |
| posted by mg on 28 Sept 2006 at 1:02 pm |
| My mother took Ambien for 2 months back in 1997. She began sleepwalking almost immediately. While she was asleep, she took baths, ate, smoked, cooked, caught the kitchen on fire, and drove. It was after she totalled the car that the doctor took her off Ambien, and the sleepwalking stopped almost immediately. I'm glad people are starting to hear about this side effect now. At the time, I couldn't find any documentation of it, and I'm guessing that my mother's case never made it into the statistics for Ambien. |
| Ambien - I Am A Sleepwalker Too |
| posted by tl on 16 Oct 2006 at 8:54 pm |
| After not being able to sleep when my dad passed away my doctor prescribed Ambien. The first few doses I fell asleep and had no problems, at least one that I know of. But by a week my boyfriend said that I started talking to him and didn't make any sense. I got up in the middle of the night and sleewalked, bought stuff on the internet and cooked. I even called friends late at night and didn't make any sense. When I awoke I had not recollection of doing any of this. I wold find half eaten food and get packages of stuff I bought. I stopped taking the drug. Why are we all so affected by this? Are we taking too much? Is one pill or even half to much? Or is it the drug? |
| Legal Ignorance |
| posted by Tina on 16 Nov 2006 at 7:31 pm |
| After being prescribed Ambien, I was told I started calling people in the middle of the night, had an accident which left me disabled,but,have no memory of(even though officers,doctors said I was talking to them). I woke up in the hospital not knowing anything that had transpired. They said I had been drinking but, my last recolectiopn was just falling asleep on the couch(after my dose of Ambien. I now do not sleep more than 3 hours a night because I am afraid to sleep. (single mom of 3 I can't afford to possibly leave my house when my children are sleeping or walk out onto the Hwy I live on). My sleep disorder doctor does not believe there is any corolation between stress, Ambien and sleepwalking. What do I do? |
| Who's In Charge Of Our Healthcare? |
| posted by Anon on 08 Dec 2006 at 4:53 pm |
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If we are taking a medication that is causing more problems than it's helping, then it's time to talk with our provider, as long as your healthcare provider is one that is willing to listen to all of your fears and concerns. If not, then it's time to consider getting a new provider!!
We have been taught since the day we were born, that we should trust our doctors 100%, and not question their judgement. That's no longer true!!!! A GOOD healthcare provider, or team of healthcare providers, is one that is willing to listen to your concerns and fears, and is not insulted if you question your care. After all, only you can tell your provider how you feel, what's going on with your health, how your medications are effecting you, or if your medications are working or not. Doctors are not perfect, as we would all like to believe, they are human as well, and all humans make mistakes. A good doctor will appreciate you asking questions, and double checking medication interations. If your provider gets insulted or upset because you are questioning his or her care, then there's a problem. A good healthcare provider will want to work as a team, with you in charge. If your healthcare provider doesn't take your concerns seriously, or doesn't explain things to you so you can understand all of those confusing medical terms and just blows off your questions, it is seriously time to search out a new doctor. I am really shocked at all of the comments about Ambien and the lack of concern from peoples doctors, and from Sanofi-Aventis, the pharmacutical company that makes Ambien. I hope that all of you that have had a bad experience with Ambien,or know someone who's had a bad experience with Ambien, has written to the FDA, as well as to this site. If you have written to the FDA as well, and still nothing is happening, start writting to all of your local news papers, government officials, and maybe write to all of the people is the medical community in your area, and ask for help on who else you should contact about the lack of concern about all of the side-effects of Ambien, and the negative effects that it has caused in your lives. Don't let it go, people need to know about bad drugs on the market that are suppose to be helping us, not hurting us. |
| Ambien and Sleepwalking |
| posted by Chelle on 14 Dec 2006 at 8:00 pm |
| I have had problems with sleepwalking on ambien. I have called people, done housework...I even made a collage for my fiance one night and had no idea until the next morning there was this big ol pretty collage of photographs put together and hung up. I found the craft supplies neatly stacked up in the living room the next day. The only reason I am writing tonight is because last night it happened again. I woke up this morning wearing a different pair of pajamas from when I went to sleep. I found my other pj's in a pile in the dirty clothes along with a couple of other shirts. REALLY scary. |
| Sleepwalker |
| posted by walter moore on 17 Dec 2006 at 12:36 am |
| I have gotten up and drew a bath. Afterwards I went back to bed and put on my cpap machine. My wife told me about it next morning, but i do not remember at all. Another time I got up, looked for my glasses, woke up my wife and then I went into the kitchen and drank water and found my glasses and went back to bed. Again, I do not remember a thing. |
| Ambien and Sleep "calling" |
| posted by jack on 23 Dec 2006 at 3:49 am |
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I have made a number of telephone calls after taking Ambien of which I have no recollection. The calls were to individuals with whom I have had no contact for months or more and that I would have had no reason to call, especially after midnight. I only learned of these calls because I left my office number on their voicemail and they called me at work.
These individuals did not previously have my work number, I wouldn't have given it to them, and if I had, they wouldn't have called me out of the blue at work, saying that they were returning my call. I was a bit incredulous until I checked the call list on my cell phone and sure enough I had indeed placed the call. Just did it again today at midnight. Call was return at 5:30 am. Cell phone was on my nightstand and I never leave it on and in my bedroom at night. The caller was not angry or offended, but did indicate I that I had said something mildly inappropriate. What if I had said something worse?! |
| WOW!! |
| posted by Oklahoma on 10 Jan 2007 at 7:18 am |
|
My mother-in-law takes this medication and I work in the medical field. I heard some conversation last night at work about these side effects, so I decided to look into it further when I got home. To my surprise there are many cases reported of such bizarre side effects. I am still in shock.
I immediately called my husband to let him know what I discovered. He was also in awe. After some thought, I decided for these very reasons, marijuana should be legalized for medical reasons. The benefits of this drug far outweigh the side effects. Something more people should consider!! Don't you think??? |
| Ambien |
| posted by Jason on 15 Jan 2007 at 9:11 pm |
| It works great for me, no side effects. Just because some freaks sleep walk on it big deal, quit taking it then. And quit smoking the crack pipe. |
| Can't Remember A Thing |
| posted by Kari on 28 Jan 2007 at 8:07 am |
|
I have taken Ambien here or there as needed for the last couple of years. Maybe 10-12 pills total in that time frame. I took one last night 10 mg (usually I take a half). When I woke up this morning my hair was wet I had different clothes on and my bathroom was a wreck. There was water still in the tub.
My husband said I was determined to take a bath and shave my legs. I made him get in the tub. Thank goodness he stayed in the bathroom, he said I went under water 2-3 times. I have NO memory of this. I also talked a lot about sad things in our life right now. (I just had my 5th miscarriage) this terrified me. I will no longer take this to sleep again. Good old Benydril will work just fine. |
| Ambien - I Think It Happened To Me |
| posted by Anon on 31 Jan 2007 at 7:14 am |
|
This morning my husband got up to feed the dog. I had taken one Ambien before bed. I have probably taken 30 in a 3 year period. The dog is small, and the dog dish is double, one dish on each side. This morning, one was missing. We cannot find it anywhere, and the dog is small and would not have been able to remove it himself the way it is put in.
This really concerns me. My husband thought I was playing some kind of a joke, but still after looking for hours, there is no dish. |
| Concerned |
| posted by Concerned on 06 Feb 2007 at 6:20 am |
|
I work nights for our sheriffs department. 12 hour shifts 2 hour commute and get home around 8am, take the kid to school and come home to sleep. I only have until 2:30pm. I took ambien a few times, all is good. Then I take it, after have a very stressful night and apparently my subconscious did not want anything to do with sleep. I called two people, one conversation I was told was very good, (and out of character) and the other was the complete opposite (also out of character)
I only knew that I called when I looked at my phone and saw the numbers and thought that they called, then I realized they were outgoing. The calls were made when I thought I was sleeping. I had absolutely no clue I made them and that was quite embarrassing. I also managed to trim my hair. I left all the evidence in the bathroom, hair was everywhere. Refuse to take it ever again, it is a dangerous hypnotic narcotic. I was extremely upset (still am) and was thankful that I did not get in my car and drive which I think could have happened. It also made me think of some of the unexplained and bizarre accidents that we have had over the past couple of years. Those who say that sleepwalking is garbage need to educate themselves on "Hypnotic" drugs. When you are not in control, who is to say that you don't take another pill. Anything is possible and I believe that this particular drug reacts not based on what is in your body, but rather what is in your mind, what has gone on during that day and stress levels. Most drugs acknowledge and instruct a full tummy, milk coat, empty, whatever but the mind you cannot dictate. If there is a movement out there to educate on the dangers of this drug and those alike, I will be more than happy to contribute. |
| Morning Surprises! |
| posted by Nancy on 23 Feb 2007 at 10:46 pm |
|
I have taken 10mg Ambien frequently for the last 5 years. I was unaware of having any side effects until last week. Last Thursday, I turned off TV, all lights, shut down my laptop, closed the lid and went to bed. I awoke the next morning with something "poking" me in the back. To my surprise, it was my laptop (lid open, disconnected power cord), stand and mouse! No lights had been turned on. I have absolutely NO memory of this no matter how hard I try. NONE!
Then, I remembered times when I had awakened and found empty milk glasses next to the bed, paper napkins with crumbs in the bed, a dirty plate in the sink....just oddities.....the memory loss I just thought was "age". At first I thought it humorous and joked with my daughter about it. But now, who knows what I have done since I can't remember the incidents. My daughter told me about the stories of the "sleep driving", etc. I live alone, so have started alarming my exterior doors in hopes that if I tried to leave, it would awaken me. I will also take "inventory" before going to sleep to see if this continues. Severe nightmares, may be a side effect as well, have also been affecting sleep quality. This night activity may be the reason I awaken as tired as if I had not slept at all, struggling to accomplish daily activities due to decreased energy. I will be consulting my physician about these experiences and to seek other alternatives for chronic insomnia. |
| Thanks For Last Night; Too Bad I Don't Remember It |
| posted by Jane on 14 Mar 2007 at 12:35 pm |
|
Well, the first time it happened, a memory snippet the next day preciptated my full realization that I had had sex with my husband the night before and remembered only vague impressions. He was crushed, thinking we'd reached some new level of understanding; it was that good, he thought, for both of us. The second time was worse. Once again, a breakthrough encounter. Only this time I remembered zero the next day and never have recovered even one iota of memory of it. Sounds like it was fantastic. Too bad I wasn't there.
I rarely took Ambien and when I did ( 10 times a year, maybe) I took a half, placing the other half by the bedside in case I woke up within 3 hours, in which case I would take the second half. Usually, I'd wake up after six hours, annoyed and unable to go back to sleep. After the 'romantic' incidents, I gave up on it. Way, way too scary. Remember the Jane Fonda movie??? |
| Ambien-danger!!! |
| posted by loretta on 28 Mar 2007 at 6:21 pm |
| In 2003 I +was prescribed ambien for several months. On 11/13 I took a 10 milligram pill and went to bed at 10 pm. I woke up in jail hallucenating. I crashed my car into a cement bridge. The aresting officer said I told him I was going to work at 1:30 a. m. My job starts at 7 a.m. It cost me $1300 dollars for bail and an attorney. When I got home I threw the pills in the trash and you should do the same. |
| breakfast |
| posted by tony on 10 Apr 2007 at 8:38 pm |
| Sounds like a lot of people cook breakfast in the middle of the night. That sounds good to me, I am going to prescribe this to my girlfriend. |
| Ambien Is Bizarre For Me |
| posted by Angel St.Cyr on 13 Apr 2007 at 12:50 am |
| Used to 5mg put me to sleep, then 10mg. Then at 10mg the sleepwalking and bizarre behavour started. I complained in my 'stupor' that I could not sleep and was given more ambien. 20mgs now and really sleepwalking. Talking to teddybears about secret meetings, talking to crystals about special powers, rearranging my desk papers and refiling them to god know where now? Writing strange entries in journals? None that I remember but was witnessed by family members. I feel like I'm going insane! |
| Ambien |
| posted by Heidie on 02 May 2007 at 9:28 am |
|
I tried Ambien last week, apparently I had a sleep walking problem. I ended up on the floor. I remember very little but know I have a cut on my scalp, my forehead and nose are swollen, two black eyes and other cuts and bruises.
I have never walked in my sleep before this. Something needs to be done about this drug before someone is killed. There was nothing in the pamphlet that came with the drug mentioning sleep walking. |
| Loss Of Inhibitions And Memory |
| posted by Sandy on 19 May 2007 at 5:57 pm |
| I had the same experience as Jane - I had sexual encounters under the influence of Ambien that I remembered only as very very vague dreams until I was informed they were reality the following mornings. This is rather frightening for several reasons: not only do I still not have a memory of these events beyond a dreamlike impression that I may have engaged in sex, but also these were encounters with someone that I was making a deliberate decision not to be involved with - unfortunately that decision was upheld when conscious but occurred in a "sleepwalking" type episode under the influence of Ambien. This happened on two occasions. |
| Scared My Kids On Ambien |
| posted by Kimberly on 28 May 2007 at 9:36 pm |
|
I work night shift and was having difficulty sleeping during the day between shifts so I was prescribed Ambien to help me get the sleep I needed. Since no one was home with me during the day while I slept, I don't know if I had sleepwalking problems with the drug at first; however, an occurrence one night caused me to throw the rest of the pills out.
I decided one night to take an ambien around 7 pm so that I could get a really good night of sleep since I was off work that particular night. My kids were up watching television and informed me the next day that I had roamed around the house until 10 pm. They said I was speaking in "Spanish" (and I do not know how to speak any other language except English). They said that I had filled up several buckets with water and put them in the laundry room, telling them that I was working on a special project for work. I made several phone calls to family and friends who told me the next day that I was talking crazy on the phone (I have no memory of talking to any of them). I also text messaged several people with somewhat inappropriate topics. The scariest thing about the situation was that my oldest daughter told me that I had told her I needed to drive her to school. Thankfully, she walked me back upstairs to my bedroom and took the car keys away from me and hid them. I'll never take ambien again. |
