Sunday, March 16, 2008

Side effects

I just got a prescription for Ambien. (Generic name: zolpidem). Needless to say I haven't been sleeping. Here are the side effects:

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, and dry mouth may occur. To minimize the risk of falls, remember to get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position...This medication may make you sleepy during the day....Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects....
Tell your doctor immediate if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeat, unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., new or worsening depression, rare thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, anxiety), memory loss, unsteadiness....
And here's my favorite:

"Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("Sleep Driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. If you discover that you have experienced these events...."

Seriously? Could there be any WEIRDER side effects? And there's an actual term for driving while not fully awake? "Sleep Driving"!!!!!!

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