Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Ambien as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Ambien use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with Ambien, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Ambien use on empty stomach can sometimes result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Ambien use can also result in compromised appetite occasionally. Taking Ambien with a small snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication. But, be aware that taking Ambien with some food can reduce the absorption of Ambien and thereby, delay the onset of action and sleep induction, thus compromising the therapeutic benefit of Ambien intake.
- Ambien intake can occasionally induce dry mouth. Observing compliance with hydration measures and sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth.
