Ambien side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved:

• Ambien to treat insomnia that occurs with problems falling asleep
• Ambien CR to treat insomnia that occurs with problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or both

Ambien and Ambien CR are brand-name medications. Ambien is an immediate-release* tablet that you swallow. Ambien CR is an extended-release* tablet that you swallow. Ambien and Ambien CR are available in a generic version called zolpidem.

This article describes possible side effects of Ambien and Ambien CR. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Ambien and Ambien CR.

You can explore this overview article to learn more about Ambien and Ambien CR, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.

* “Immediate release” means the drug is released into your body right after you take a dose. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over time.

Boxed warning: Risk of unusual sleep behaviors

Ambien and Ambien CR have a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.

More common side effects of Ambien

Below are some of the more common side effects that occurred during the studies of Ambien and Ambien CR. The more common side effects varied based on the drug form.

More common side effects in people taking Ambien include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• feeling groggy, confused, or euphoric (a strong sense of happiness and well-being)

More common side effects in people taking Ambien CR include:

• headache
• feeling sleepy the next day
• dizziness

Mild side effects of Ambien

Ambien and Ambien CR may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects that occurred in studies of Ambien and Ambien CR include:

• constipation
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• feeling groggy, confused, or euphoric (a strong sense of happiness and well-being)
• headache
• heart palpitations (feeling that your heart is fluttering, skipping, or pounding)
• feeling sleepy the next day
• nausea
• back pain or muscle pain
• sinus infection
• mild allergic reaction*

* An allergic reaction is possible with Ambien and Ambien CR. It’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies, but it has happened since the drug was approved for use. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.

Ambien may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the prescribing information for Ambien and Ambien CR.

Serious side effects of Ambien

Ambien and Ambien CR may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Ambien, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Ambien or Ambien CR.

Serious side effects that occurred in studies of Ambien and Ambien CR include:

• central nervous system (CNS) depression, including impaired coordination or slowed reflexes the next day, possibly affecting your ability to safely drive or operate machinery
• depression
• next-day memory loss
• dependence and withdrawal symptoms*
• behavioral changes, such as hallucinations or suicidal thoughts and behaviors*
• risk of unusual sleep behaviors†
• severe allergic reaction‡

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.
† Ambien and Ambien CR have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible with Ambien and Ambien CR. It’s unclear whether it occurred in the drug’s studies, but it has happened since the drug was approved for use. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.

Common questions about side effects of Ambien

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Ambien and Ambien CR. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Ambien cause next-day side effects?

Yes, Ambien and Ambien CR can cause next-day side effects. Examples include drowsiness and sleepiness. The medications can also cause next-day memory loss.

Ambien and Ambien CR can also cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, which can cause next-day side effects. These include impaired coordination or slowed reflexes, which can affect your ability to safely drive or operate machinery.

To learn more about next-day side effects or CNS depression, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Ambien cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible for Ambien and Ambien CR to cause long-term side effects, according to the drugs’ studies. Long-term side effects are those that start either:

• during treatment and continue for a long time, possibly after you’ve ended treatment, or
• after you’ve taken the drug for a long time or have ended treatment

Long-term side effects possible with Ambien and Ambien CR include:

• depression
• next-day memory loss
• behavioral changes, such as hallucinations*
• risk of unusual sleep behavior†
• central nervous system (CNS) depression, which may cause impaired coordination or slowed reflexes

If you’d like to know more about long-term side effects with Ambien and Ambien CR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.
† Ambien and Ambien CR have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.

Will Ambien 10 mg cause more side effects than the drug’s other strengths?

It’s possible. Similar to other drugs, the risk for side effects of Ambien or Ambien CR increases when taken at a higher dose.

In studies of Ambien and Ambien CR, certain side effects were more likely with a higher dose. These include:

• drowsiness
• nausea
• constipation
• diarrhea
• feeling groggy, confused, or euphoric (strong sense of happiness and well-being)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about your risk for side effects given your dose of Ambien or Ambien CR.

How do side effects of Ambien in older adults compare with those in younger adults?

Side effects of Ambien and Ambien CR in older adults are expected to be the same as those in younger adults. (Older adults generally refers to people ages 65 years and older.)

That said, older adults are at higher risk for certain side effects of Ambien and Ambien CR. Examples of these side effects include:

• confusion
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness

Older adults are also more likely to have health conditions that increase the risk of side effects from Ambien and Ambien CR. An example is liver problems.

For these reasons, doctors may prescribe a lower dosage of Ambien or Ambien CR for older adults. If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are withdrawal and dependence possible with Ambien?

Yes, withdrawal and dependence are possible with Ambien and Ambien CR.

With dependence, your body needs a drug to function as usual. Suddenly stopping a drug that causes dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms.

To learn more, see “Dependence and withdrawal symptoms” in the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below. You can also talk with your doctor for more information.

Coupon for Ambien

Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Ambien and Ambien CR when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of Ambien in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Ambien and Ambien CR.

Risk of unusual sleep behaviors

Ambien and Ambien CR have a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unusual sleep behaviors were not reported in studies of Ambien and Ambien CR. But there have been reports since the drugs were approved for use.

Unusual sleep behaviors occur while you’re sleeping or not fully awake. They can lead to injuries, which may be severe or life threatening. Examples of sleep behaviors reported with Ambien and Ambien CR include sleepwalking and doing the following during sleep:

• cooking and eating
• driving
• having sex
• making phone calls

Drinking alcohol or taking certain other medications with Ambien or Ambien CR increases the risk of unusual sleep behaviors.

Ways to manage

If you develop unusual sleep behaviors while taking Ambien or Ambien CR, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away. Your doctor can recommend how to stop treatment with Ambien or Ambien CR. And they can advise whether you should try another treatment that may be safer.

Keep in mind that suddenly stopping Ambien or Ambien CR may cause withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your risk of withdrawal symptoms if you need to suddenly stop taking either medication. For more information, see the “Dependence and withdrawal symptoms” section below.

Behavioral changes, such as hallucinations

Ambien and Ambien CR may cause behavioral changes, such as hallucinations. With hallucinations, you hear or see things that aren’t really there.

Other behavioral changes possible with Ambien and Ambien CR include:

• depersonalization (a sense that you’re disconnected from your surroundings)
• depression or worsening depression symptoms
• lowered inhibitions
• agitation or aggressiveness
• bizarre or unusual behaviors
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors

These side effects were rare in studies of Ambien and Ambien CR.

Ways to manage

Call your doctor right away if you have behavioral changes while taking Ambien or Ambien CR. They’ll evaluate your symptoms and suggest possible ways to manage them. They may suggest stopping treatment with Ambien or Ambien CR and recommend a different treatment option.

Do not stop taking Ambien or Ambien CR unless your doctor recommends it. Suddenly stopping Ambien or Ambien CR increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can advise if you should slowly lower your dose over time. This is called drug tapering, and it can lower your risk of withdrawal side effects with Ambien or Ambien CR.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Ambien and Ambien CR may cause dependence. This condition can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the drug. These side effects were rare in studies of Ambien and Ambien CR.

With dependence, your body needs a drug to function as usual. Suddenly stopping a drug that causes dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms reported with Ambien and Ambien CR include:

• belly pain
• confusion or delirium
• fatigue (low energy)
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting
• nervousness
• seizures

The risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms from Ambien or Ambien CR increases at higher doses of the drug. It also increases with long-term treatment with either drug. You’re also at higher risk if you have a substance use disorder.

Ways to manage

Due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, do not stop taking Ambien or Ambien CR without first talking with your doctor. Your doctor can advise whether you should slowly lower your dose over time. This is called drug tapering, and it can lower your risk of withdrawal side effects with Ambien or Ambien CR.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Ambien can cause an allergic reaction. It’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the studies of Ambien and Ambien CR. But it has been reported since these drugs were approved for use.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Ambien or Ambien CR, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication.

Warnings for Ambien

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Ambien or Ambien CR.

Boxed warning: Risk of unusual sleep behaviors

Ambien and Ambien CR have a boxed warning for the risk of unusual sleep behaviors. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take Ambien or Ambien CR if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Ambien or Ambien CR is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking Ambien or Ambien CR, tell your doctor about your health, medications you take, and factors that can affect your ability to perform certain activities. Things to consider include:

• breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• depression
• kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease
• liver problems, such as alcohol-related liver disease
• myasthenia gravis
• past allergic reaction to Ambien or Ambien CR or its ingredients
• past misuse, addiction, or alcohol use disorder
• performing possibly hazardous activities, such as driving or operating machinery

Ambien and pregnancy

It may not be safe to take Ambien or Ambien CR while pregnant. Using either drug during pregnancy may cause side effects in a newborn. Examples include respiratory depression (slowed breathing) and sedation (extreme sleepiness). These side effects should go away within a few days or weeks following delivery. But a newborn may need to be monitored for side effects or treated after birth.

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or able to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a drug other than Ambien or Ambien CR for you.

Ambien and breastfeeding

Taking Ambien or Ambien CR while breastfeeding can cause side effects in a breastfed child. These include respiratory depression (slowed breathing) and sedation (extreme sleepiness).

Talk with your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking Ambien or Ambien CR.

Ambien and alcohol

Ambien and Ambien CR are known to interact with alcohol.

Consuming alcohol during treatment with Ambien or Ambien CR can raise your risk of severe side effects, which may be life threatening. Examples include extreme sleepiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. It also raises your risk for unusual sleep behaviors.*

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Ambien or Ambien CR. Your doctor may recommend you avoid taking Ambien or Ambien CR if you drank alcohol that evening.

*Ambien and Ambien CR have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Ambien in detail” section below.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of Ambien. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my medical history increase my risk for side effects from taking Ambien?
• Do any of my medications interact with Ambien and raise my risks for side effects from it?
• If I have side effects from Ambien, should I try switching to Ambien CR?
• Could trying a lower dose help manage mild side effects from Ambien or Ambien CR?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.