The Kennedy family has become the unwanted "poster child" of drug and alcohol abuse for many years, but this time it is a member whose past does not seem to line up with her current problem.
Kerry Kennedy’s recent arrest for driving while impaired is the likely result from the sleep aid Ambien (aka Zolpidem) taken earlier that morning, many hours before she got behind the wheel. Known as a responsible mother and wife, Kerry had taken the drug Ambien shortly before her hit and run accident (she collided with a tractor/trailer and then left the scene of the accident) later discovered asleep in her car by police. Initial drug and alcohol tests revealed no trace of anything that would have caused the accident. It was only Kerry’s confession to taking Ambien the morning of the accident that possibly pointed to the cause. (http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/police-kerry-kennedy-ny-govs-wife-arrested-16775957)
Is it possible that Ambien could be the culprit behind this accident? Why would so many hours pass between ingesting and responding to this drug? Could it be that Ambien has a delayed reaction that causes the person taking it to fall into a “sleepwalking” state of mind instead of falling asleep immediately after ingesting? Patients of the drug say the latter might be a more accurate statement than the former of these two thoughts.
Before anyone blames the drug, they should review the clearly written prescribed method the drug was to be used:
“Zolpidem comes as a tablet and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Zolpidem also comes as a sublingual tablet to place under the tongue and an oral spray which is sprayed into the mouth over the tongue. This medication is usually taken as needed, no more than one time a day, immediately before bedtime. Zolpidem will work faster if it is not taken with a meal or immediately after a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use zolpidem exactly as directed.
You will probably become very sleepy soon after you take zolpidem and will remain sleepy for some time after you take the medication. Plan to go to bed right after you take zolpidem and to stay in bed for 7 to 8 hours. Do not take zolpidem if you will be unable to remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours after taking the medication. If you get up too soon after taking zolpidem, you may experience memory problems.” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000928/)
Sleep aids often have lingering effects, even after you’ve awaken from taking them. The efficiency they will have on an individual can be equally affected by weight, age, and health conditions. If you plan to take a sleep aid, then you need to plan to stay home, sleep and not be active for at least 8-12 hours. If you’re taking sleep aids on a regular basis, that could be a sign of another problem like nutritional, hormonal imbalances, stress or some other health condition.
The side effects listed on the National Institute of Health include:
Zolpidem may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• headache
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• 'drugged feeling'
• unsteady walking
• difficulty keeping balance
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn
• stomach pain or tenderness
• changes in appetite
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
• unusual dreams
• redness, burning, or tingling ofr the tongue (with sublingual tablets)
• dry mouth or throat
• ringing, pain, or itching in the ears
• eye redness
• muscle aches or cramps
• joint, back, or neck pain
• heavy menstrual bleeding
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• feeling that the throat is closing
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• vomiting
• pounding heartbeat
• chest pain
• blurred vision or other vision problems
Zolpidem may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Quick Tips for Wellness: The purpose of a sleep aid is to help you return to a regular sleep pattern. It isn’t intended to be a substitute for other health conditions which may be the underlying problem. Read the label and research any medicine prescribed or over the counter drug before taking.
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