Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Ambien as follows:
Musculoskeletal side-effects
- Ambien use can result in slurred speech, motor incoordination, and compromised balance with consequent increased fall risk and accidents. Confusion and dizziness with Ambien use, can add to the motor incoordination, thus enhancing the fall risk significantly.
Tolerance
- Individuals develop tolerance and can experience diminished therapeutic response to the dose of Ambien, after continued use beyond 2 weeks. Report to your physician regarding any blunting of therapeutic response and compromised ability of Ambien to induce sleep. Individuals can also present with worsening anxiety episodes, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, muscle cramps, and seizures. Your physician could consider a change in the plan of care to provide the desired therapeutic relief.
Abuse potential
- Ambien intake can be habit-forming and carries an abuse potential. The risk for addiction and abuse can be even higher, especially in individuals with history of substance abuse.
