Skip to main content

Ambien Side Effects

Generic name: zolpidem

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 7, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Ambien Side Effects associated with zolpidem. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Ambien.

Applies to zolpidem: oral capsule, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Other dosage forms:

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (capsule; tablet; tablet, extended release; spray)

Warning: Complex Sleep Behaviors. Complex sleep behaviors including sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake may occur following use of zolpidem tartrate.

Some of these events may result in serious injuries, including death.

Discontinue zolpidem tartrate immediately if a patient experiences a complex sleep behavior.

Common side effects of Ambien

Some side effects of zolpidem may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • stuffy or runny nose

Less common

  • back pain
  • being forgetful
  • belching
  • body aches or pain
  • congestion
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • difficulty with moving
  • double vision
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • heartburn
  • hoarseness
  • indigestion
  • longer or heavier menstrual periods
  • loss of memory
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • seeing double
  • sensation of spinning
  • stomach discomfort
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
  • voice changes

Rare

  • bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
  • blemishes on the skin
  • blindness
  • blurred vision
  • breast pain
  • change in near or distance vision
  • change in taste
  • changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • difficulty in focusing the eyes
  • eye pain
  • feeling of warmth
  • frequent urge to defecate
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • increased appetite
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
  • increased sweating
  • itching of the vagina or genital area
  • lack or loss of strength
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
  • pain during sexual intercourse
  • paleness of the skin
  • pimples
  • redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • redness or other discoloration of the skin
  • severe sunburn
  • slurred speech
  • stomach upset
  • straining while passing stool
  • tearing
  • thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
  • weight loss

Serious side effects of Ambien

Along with its needed effects, zolpidem (the active ingredient contained in Ambien) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking zolpidem:

Less common

  • chest pain
  • confusion about identity, place, and time
  • discouragement
  • false or unusual sense of well-being
  • fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • feeling sad or empty
  • fever
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • irritability
  • lack of appetite
  • lightheadedness
  • loss of interest or pleasure
  • shakiness and unsteady walk
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble sleeping
  • unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

  • anxiety
  • attack, assault, or force
  • black, tarry stools
  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • change in walking and balance
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • cold sweats
  • cough
  • crying
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • deep or fast breathing with dizziness
  • delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, or combativeness
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dizziness
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
  • dry mouth
  • fainting
  • false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
  • feeling of unreality
  • fever
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • irregular heartbeat
  • irritability
  • lack of feeling or emotion
  • light-colored stools
  • lower back or side pain
  • nausea
  • numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth
  • pale skin
  • poor insight and judgment
  • problems with memory or speech
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • quick to react or overreact emotionally
  • rapidly changing moods
  • restlessness
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • sense of detachment from self or body
  • severe sleepiness
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • stomach pain
  • swollen glands
  • thoughts of killing oneself or changes in behavior
  • trouble recognizing objects
  • trouble thinking and planning
  • trouble walking
  • trouble breathing
  • uncaring
  • unease or dissatisfaction with life
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • vomiting
  • yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking zolpidem:

Symptoms of overdose

For healthcare professionals

Applies to zolpidem: oral capsule, oral spray, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, sublingual tablet.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included dizziness, headache, and somnolence.[Ref]

Nervous system

Psychiatric

Gastrointestinal

Other

Respiratory

Ocular

Musculoskeletal

Genitourinary

Dermatologic

Immunologic

Cardiovascular

Metabolic

Hypersensitivity

Hepatic

Hematologic

Renal

Oncologic

Local

Tongue paresthesia and sublingual erythema occurred in patients given sublingual tablet formulations.[Ref]

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Ambien (zolpidem)." sanofi-aventis

2. (2005) "Product Information. Ambien CR (zolpidem)." Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

5. (2009) "Product Information. Edluar (zolpidem)." Meda Pharmaceuticals

6. (2011) "Product Information. Intermezzo (zolpidem)." Purdue Pharma LP

7. (2017) "Product Information. Zolpimist (zolpidem)." Magna Pharmaceuticals Inc

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Ambien side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.