Visits to Emergency Rooms after taking Ambien

By Caribbean Medical News Staff

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the United States, visits to the ER (Emergency Room) rose by nearly 220% between 2005 and 2010 or from 6, 111 to 19, 487 visits according to their report.

Zolpidem (Ambien) was first approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) on December 19th, 2008.

Adverse effects were reported by 74% of those who took Ambien and these were reported inpeople around the age of 45.  The report further stated that there was a 274% increase inAmbien-related emergency room visits in women in the period 2005-2010 with 68% of all ER visits consisting of women.  The rise in Ambien-related ER visits in men was reported at one hundred and forty-four (144) per cent for the same period. In thirty-seven (37) percent of cases,Zopidem was taken in combination with medications that depress the CNS (central nervous system).

Some adverse reactions reported include agitation, dizziness, drowsiness in the day, drowsiness while driving, hallucinations and sleep walking. It was further reported that as far back as 2006, people had reported that they were getting up at night and doing things and later had no recollections of their activities after taking Ambien.

Ambien or Zolpidem is a prescription drug for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Zolpidem is the active ingredient in medications such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Zolpimist and Edluar.
SAMHSA says that Ambien, Ambien CR, Zolpimist and Edluar have all been used safely by millions in the USA but the FDA has had to respond to the growing reports of adverse effects. Thus, the FDA told pharmaceutical companies in 2013 to reduce the prescriptive dosage to women by half or fifty per cent. The FDA also suggested that the dosage be reduced in men.

These adverse effects were said to be linked to Ambien when it was used in conjunction or combination with various medications including but not restricted to anti-anxiety medication and painkillers.

The following most common adverse reactions linked to Ambien have been reported to the FDA.Zolpidem’s sedative effects can increase to dangerous levels when combined with other substances, especially with anti-anxiety drugs and narcotic pain relievers. Over four million Americans visit the ER with adverse effects from medications annually.

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