“Ambien Zombies”, sleepwalking fears and facts

Last night, Fox News Boston aired the special report “Is Ambien creating a nation of zombies?” The segment called attention to dangerous or even deadly sleepwalking episodes linked to the prescription sleep drug Ambien.



While these incidents are a reminder that side effects can occur, millions of people regularly take Ambien and other prescription hypnotics without experiencing any problems.

You can minimize the risk if you take Ambien exactly as prescribed by your doctor, moments before bedtime. Never increase dosage or begin taking additional medications without consulting your doctor. And don’t use alcohol before or after taking Ambien. Allow for a full nights sleep when you take the drug.

The FDA warns in its Medication Guide for Ambien, “You may get up out of bed while not being fully awake and do an activity that you do not know you are doing. The next morning, you may not remember that you did anything during the night.”

The AASM recognizes Ambien as a safe short-term treatment for insomnia. For severe or chronic cases we recommend seeing a board-certified sleep specialist for further treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. To find a sleep specialist contact an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.

Find out more about Ambien and other sleep medications.

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Understanding Unusual Ambien Side Effects

A new study may help explain why some people have unusual side effects when taking the sleep aid zolpidem – also known as Ambien.

Reuters reports that the drug can shut down brain circuits that normally inhibit some activity. This may release the brakes on other brain circuits while you sleep.

“In a way, Ambien is awakening other circuits because the brakes are not in place," study co-author Molly Huntsman told Reuters. “It's a population of neurons that is normally in place to stop activity. We find what Ambien does is inhibit their function to inhibit.”

Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic that is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. The most common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness.

But other unusual side effects can occur. In 2007 the FDA requested changes to the product labeling of all sedative-hypnotics.

One of the proposed changes was to include a warning about the risk of “complex sleep-related behaviors.” Examples include sleepwalking and sleep eating. Rare cases of sleep driving also have been reported.

The FDA-approved Medication Guide for Ambien now states that, “You may get up out of bed while not being fully awake and do an activity that you do not know you are doing. The next morning, you may not remember that you did anything during the night.”

But why do these unusual side effects only occur in some people? Huntsman suggests that something may have happened to their brain circuitry.

It is possible that a previous experience changed their brain receptors. This could affect how they respond to a drug like Ambien.

“A lot of things can change your brain chemistry - stress, alcohol use," Huntsman told Reuters.

The AASM offers these Guidelines for Taking Sleep Medications. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other questions about taking sleeping pills.

You also should ask your doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. It is a safe and effective treatment option.

Get help for insomnia at an AASM-accredited sleep center near you.

Take Sleep Medications Carefully

Sleep medications are a safe and effective treatment option for insomnia. They can help break the cycle of sleepless nights.

But like any other drug, sleeping pills can cause side effects. These include nausea, headaches and dizziness. A recent incident involving a school-bus driver in Winston-Salem, N.C., is a reminder that daytime sleepiness is another possible side effect.

Some people also may sleepwalk, sleep eat or have other complex sleep behaviors as a side effect. In 2006 the FDA told drug makers to add these risks to their product labeling for sleeping pills.

So how can you reduce your risk of these and other side effects?

First, carefully follow your doctor’s prescribing instructions. Never take more than the dosage that your doctor prescribes. Always talk to your doctor before taking another medication along with a sleeping pill.

Also, allow time for a full night of sleep after taking a sleeping pill to reduce morning or daytime drowsiness. It is also important to avoid drinking any alcohol before or after taking a sleep medication.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any side effects from taking a sleeping pill. Your doctor may adjust your dose. Or you may be able to try a different medication.

There are a variety of effective sleeping pills available. So your doctor should be able to find one that is right for you.

If you prefer a drug-free alternative, ask you doctor about CBT for insomnia. It’s an effective treatment option that can have long-lasting effects.

Get more Tips for Taking Sleep Medications. Get advice from a sleep specialist in this Expert Q&A that focuses on insomnia.