Common Sleep Medication Triggers Bizarre Behaviour

Australian and UK health agencies have documented approximately 240 cases of strange behavior among people taking the medication zolpidem. Incidents reported range from amnesia to sleepwalking and hallucinations.

Also sold under the names Ambien, Stilnoct and Stilnox, zolpidem is commonly used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders such as apnea. The Australian Federal Health Department reported 62 cases of amnesia, 104 cases of hallucinations and 16 bizarre sleepwalking cases among people taking the drug since its introduction onto the market in 2000. Among the unusual sleepwalking cases reported was a patient who woke up with a paintbrush in her hand. She had painted her front door while asleep. Another woman gained over 50 pounds during the 7 months she was on zolpidem. “It was only when she was discovered in front of an open refrigerator while asleep that the problem was resolved.” Other countries have reported bizarre incidents with people on the medication. For example, while on zolpidem, people sleep-drive. The drug can also cause adverse reactions. Some researchers are calling for further, more extensive research into the drug to see if the side effects are real or not. Other researchers claim these side effects are occurring in a handful of people and that millions have taken the medication without such adverse effects. My general belief is that medications are all too often released either prematurely onto the market or with full knowledge of the inherent dangers in taking them. The underlying reason for this is the almighty dollar. This may be the case here with zolpidem as well.