Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Ambien as follows:
- Individuals with history of breathing issues, such as, asthma, sleep apnea, and COPD, must exercise extra precaution in watching out for any compromised breathing function, secondary to Ambien intake. Avoid taking Ambien along with any other products and drugs, which also carry the risk of depression of the respiratory center, such as, alcohol, OTC cough syrups, narcotic pain medications, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants. The individual influence of these medications on respirations can complement the effect of Ambien on respiration and lead to severe respiratory depression and can even be fatal. Report any episode of exacerbation of SOB and breathing difficulty following Ambien intake, to your physician appropriately, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Ambien intake causes depression of the central nervous system and results in reduced alertness, dizziness, and sleep. Do not take Ambien along with any other products or medications that also carry a risk for depression of the central nervous system, such as, alcohol, opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as they can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by Ambien. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, antidepressant medications, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by Ambien and so, must be avoided taking along with Ambien.
- Periodical labs could be drawn to evaluate the safe therapeutic blood levels of Ambien, if needed. Observe compliance with any lab draws ordered.
