Ambien Side Effects: Common, Serious Risks and What to Know
Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem, a prescription sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. While Ambien can help some people fall asleep more easily, it can also cause side effects ranging from mild next-day drowsiness to rare but serious sleep-related behaviours.
If you have been prescribed Ambien, you may be asking: What are the side effects of Ambien? Can Ambien make you tired the next day? Is Ambien safe to take every night? Can Ambien cause sleepwalking?
Understanding the potential side effects can help you recognize when a symptom may be expected and when you should seek medical advice.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien contains zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic medicine prescribed for insomnia. Zolpidem works by increasing the activity of GABA, a chemical messenger that helps reduce activity in the brain and promotes sleep.
It is generally intended for short-term treatment rather than long-term daily use. NHS guidance states that zolpidem is usually prescribed for a few days or weeks, generally up to four weeks, because the body can become accustomed to it and dependence can develop.
If you’re wondering when you might begin to feel the effects, read our guide on how long Ambien takes to start working.
What Are the Most Common Ambien Side Effects?
Not everyone experiences side effects from Ambien. However, commonly reported effects of zolpidem include:
- Sleepiness or tiredness the next day
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- A bitter or metallic taste
- Back pain
- Feeling groggy or unusually sedated
The NHS lists a metallic or bitter taste, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and back pain among common zolpidem side effects. (nhs.uk)
The U.S. FDA’s Ambien prescribing information also identifies sleepiness, dizziness, diarrhoea and a drugged or groggy feeling among common side effects.
1. Daytime Sleepiness After Taking Ambien
One of the most important side effects to understand is next-day drowsiness.
You may wake up after taking Ambien and still feel:
- Sleepy
- Tired
- Sluggish
- Less alert
- Less coordinated
NHS guidance advises against driving, cycling or using tools or machinery if zolpidem makes you sleepy.
The FDA has also warned that zolpidem can impair alertness and activities requiring full attention the following morning, even when someone feels awake.
If you regularly wake during the night despite taking steps to improve your sleep, find out why you might wake up at 3 AM every night and what may help.
2. Dizziness and Balance Problems
Dizziness is another possible Ambien side effect.
You may feel light-headed or unsteady, particularly when getting out of bed.
This can be especially important for older adults because dizziness and sedation can increase the risk of falls.
If you feel dizzy after taking Ambien, sit or lie down until you feel better and avoid activities requiring full alertness.
3. Headache
Some people experience headaches while taking zolpidem.
If headaches are severe, persistent or unusual for you, speak with a healthcare professional rather than assuming they are simply a normal part of treatment.
4. Dry Mouth or a Bitter Taste
A dry mouth or bitter/metallic taste is a commonly reported side effect of zolpidem.
Keeping water nearby and taking small sips may help with dry mouth.
If the symptom continues or becomes troublesome, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
5. Nausea and Digestive Problems
Ambien can sometimes cause digestive side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
If vomiting or diarrhoea becomes severe or you develop signs of dehydration, seek medical advice.
6. Feeling Groggy the Next Morning
Some people describe feeling “drugged,” groggy or unusually tired after taking Ambien.
This matters because you may believe you’re awake and able to function normally while your alertness and coordination are still affected.
The FDA specifically warns about next-morning impairment associated with zolpidem.
If you feel impaired the next morning, don’t drive or perform activities requiring full concentration.
Can Ambien Cause Sleepwalking?
Yes. Complex sleep behaviours have been reported with zolpidem.
These can include activities such as:
- Sleepwalking
- Eating while asleep
- Making phone calls while asleep
- Driving while not fully awake
- Other activities performed without full awareness
The FDA has issued a boxed warning concerning rare but serious injuries associated with complex sleep behaviours involving zolpidem and certain other prescription insomnia medicines. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Some people may have little or no memory of the event afterward.
What should you do if this happens?
If you experience a complex sleep behaviour after taking Ambien, stop taking it and contact your doctor for advice. NHS guidance specifically recommends seeking medical advice if sleepwalking or similar behaviours occur.
Serious Ambien Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe reactions, but serious side effects can occur.
Seek medical advice promptly if you experience:
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Significant changes in behaviour
- Severe confusion
- Falls
- Worsening depression
- Unusual activities while asleep
The NHS identifies memory loss, hallucinations, falls, delusions and low mood among serious zolpidem side effects requiring medical attention. Like any prescription medicine, Ambien can cause unwanted effects. Learn more about the common and serious side effects of Ambien.
Can Ambien Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Rarely, zolpidem can cause a serious allergic reaction.
Emergency symptoms can include:
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing or choking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe confusion or dizziness
- Fainting
These can indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring emergency medical treatment.
If someone develops severe difficulty breathing or cannot be woken, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Ambien and Alcohol: Is It Safe?
Alcohol should not be combined with Ambien.
Alcohol can increase zolpidem’s sedative effects and may result in very deep sleep, difficulty waking and impaired breathing. (
The combination may also increase the risk of unusual sleep behaviours and other adverse effects.
If you’re taking zolpidem, avoid alcohol unless a healthcare professional specifically advises otherwise.
Can Ambien Interact With Other Medicines?
Yes.
Some medicines can increase the sedating effects of zolpidem.
Examples include certain:
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Anxiety medicines
- Epilepsy medicines
- Medicines for mental health conditions
- Other sleeping medicines
- Strong painkillers such as opioids
The NHS advises speaking with a doctor or pharmacist before taking zolpidem alongside other medicines or sedating herbal products.
Can Ambien Cause Dependence?
Yes. Dependence can develop with zolpidem, particularly when it is used for longer than recommended.
NHS guidance explains that zolpidem is normally prescribed for a short period, generally up to four weeks, because the body can become accustomed to it and dependence can develop.
If you have been taking zolpidem for an extended period, don’t stop suddenly without discussing it with your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms can occur after longer-term use, and a healthcare professional may recommend gradually reducing the medicine.
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Can Ambien Cause Next-Day Impairment?
Yes.
Next-day impairment is an important safety consideration with zolpidem.
You might feel awake but still have reduced alertness, coordination or reaction time.
The FDA warns that people taking zolpidem may experience impairment the following morning, including impairment that can affect driving.
Never drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or impaired after taking Ambien.
Who May Need Extra Caution With Ambien?
Zolpidem may not be suitable for everyone.
Tell your doctor if you have:
- Breathing problems
- Sleep apnoea
- Liver or kidney problems
- A history of mental health difficulties
- Previous problems with alcohol or drugs
- Other conditions that may affect your suitability for sedative medicines
The NHS specifically advises people with breathing problems or sleep apnoea and certain other conditions to discuss these issues with a doctor before taking zolpidem.
What Should You Do If Ambien Causes Side Effects?
If you experience a mild side effect that continues or becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Don’t change the dose yourself simply because you are experiencing side effects or because the medicine doesn’t seem to be working.
If you experience serious symptoms such as hallucinations, memory loss, unusual sleep behaviours or severe allergic reactions, seek appropriate medical help promptly.
If you have taken more zolpidem than prescribed, seek urgent medical advice because overdose can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, falls and breathing problems.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Ambien Side Effects?
Always take Ambien exactly as prescribed.
Important safety measures include:
Take only the prescribed amount
Never increase the dose because you don’t think the medicine is working quickly enough.
Take it only when you’re ready for bed
Zolpidem is intended to be taken at bedtime according to your prescription instructions.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can significantly increase sedation.
Tell your doctor about other medicines
This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.
Don’t drive if impaired
If you’re sleepy or dizzy the next day, don’t drive or operate machinery.
Don’t stop long-term use suddenly
If you’ve been taking zolpidem for longer than recommended, discuss stopping with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ambien Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Ambien?
Common side effects include sleepiness or tiredness the next day, dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth and a bitter or metallic taste.
Does Ambien make you tired the next day?
Yes. Next-day sleepiness or tiredness can occur. If you’re sleepy or impaired, don’t drive, cycle or operate machinery.
Can Ambien cause dizziness?
Yes. Dizziness is a recognised side effect of zolpidem. Avoid driving or activities requiring full alertness if you feel dizzy.
Can Ambien cause sleepwalking?
Yes. Complex sleep behaviours, including sleepwalking and other activities performed while not fully awake, have been reported with zolpidem. The FDA has issued a boxed warning about this risk. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Can Ambien cause memory loss?
Memory loss or amnesia can occur and is listed among serious side effects of zolpidem. Seek medical advice if this happens.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Ambien?
Alcohol should be avoided with zolpidem because it can increase sedation and may make it difficult to wake or breathe normally.
Can Ambien cause dependence?
Yes. Dependence can develop, particularly with longer use. Zolpidem is generally prescribed for short-term treatment.
Can Ambien affect driving the next morning?
Yes. Zolpidem can cause next-morning impairment even when you feel awake. Do not drive if you are sleepy or impaired. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
What should I do if Ambien causes unusual behaviour while I sleep?
Contact your doctor promptly. If you experience complex sleep behaviours such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving, NHS guidance recommends stopping zolpidem and seeking medical advice.
Final Thoughts
Ambien can help with short-term insomnia, but like other prescription medicines, it can cause side effects.
Common effects include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, dry mouth and a bitter or metallic taste. More serious problems can include memory loss, hallucinations and complex sleep behaviours such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving.
Alcohol and other sedating medicines can increase the risks, while next-day impairment is an important consideration if you need to drive or perform activities requiring full alertness.
