Millions of people in the United States use Ambien on a regular basis to help them cope with short-term insomnia. In fact, it’s one of the most widely purchased sleep aids on the market. Typically, people take Ambien before bed, and the medication is supposed to help them sleep through the night. However, there are a few side effects that range from mild to serious, especially if combined with activities such as driving or operating machinery.
These include:
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• allergic reaction
• visual and hearing hallucinations
• agitation
• behavioral changes
• abnormal thinking
• bed-wetting
Unfortunately, many people who take Ambien also report that they have experienced sleepwalking, eating while asleep, leaving the house and even driving while asleep on Ambien. Most people don’t remember doing the activities but find out after they wake in the morning and find evidence.
Other people take Ambien too early, before they are ready for bed, and attempt to conduct their normal evening activities while on the drug. This can be dangerous as well, because they can lose focus on what they are doing, get dizzy, and have abnormal thoughts.
Here are a few accidents that can occur while on Ambien, although the possibilities are not limited to this list:
• drowsy driving, leading to a car accident
• dizziness that causes a person to fall
• allergic reactions that cause serious injury or death
• hallucinations that cause a person to be injured
• sleep eating that leads to choking or other injury
• sleepwalking that leads to injury
• sleep paralysis that leads to injury
If you are injured while taking Ambien, or if you are injured by another person who you suspect was under the influence of the sleep drug, contact us so we can review your case. Many people don’t realize that drug and insurance companies can be held responsible for injuries caused by their drugs. Your initial consultation is free and helps us determine whether you have a claim. If we accept your case, we work hard to get you a settlement for your pain and suffering.