Ambien

Ambien Linked to “Sleep Driving”

Ambien, the best-selling prescription sleeping pill by Sanofi-Aventis, has come under scrutiny recently because of its disturbing side effects. Sleep driving, one of these bizarre side effects, involves people sleepwalking to their cars, driving while still asleep and having absolutely no memory of it the next day.

This type of impaired motorist is very alarming on every level. Ambien has been identified as one of the top 10 drugs found in impaired drivers, according to state toxicology laboratories. In one state, officials identified Ambien in the bloodstreams of 187 arrested drivers from 1999 to 2004.

According to an American Academy of Forensic Sciences presentation, Ambien-impaired drivers stand out from other under-the-influence drivers. Their behavior has been documented as driving in the wrong direction, slamming into light posts or parked vehicles, and being oblivious to the arresting officers.

Other side effects associated with Ambien use include sleep walking, sleep eating, and memory loss. According to a New York Times ( March 14, 2006 ) article, emerging medical case studies reveal that Ambien unlocks a primitive desire to eat in some patients. Reports show patients getting up in the middle of the night binging on food and having no memory of it the next day.

Ambien was prescribed to over 26 million Americans in 2005, according to the manufacturer. The drug is also sold in other countries under the brand names Stilnox and Stilnocht.

On March 6, 2006 , a class action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Sanofi-Aventis seeking to require the manufacturer to include enhanced warnings on Ambien's label.

Note - Do not change medications without first consulting your doctor.

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