Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Ambien as follows:
- When taken together, Ambien can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. Some medications, such as, oral contraceptives, antibiotics, anti-GERD agents like omeprazole, inhibit the enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of Ambien. Concurrent administration of these medications with Ambien can prolong the duration of Ambien action, secondary to inhibition of Ambien metabolism, and result in toxicity. Avoid taking Ambien with grapefruit juice, as it can also inhibit the enzyme systems needed for the metabolism of Ambien and result in toxicity with Ambien.
- 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.
