Monday, January 9, 2012
MED REVIEW MONDAY Zolpidem aka Ambien is hypnotic that works by potentiating the GABA neurotransmitter. It is used for the short term treatment of insomnia, however it is also prescribed as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. The pill works quickly (within 15 minutes) so it should be taken shortly before going to bed. There have been many adverse cognitive reactions reported such as hallucinations (“Ambien dreams”), amnesia, and extreme cases of sleep walking (including sleep-eating and even sleep-driving). These side effects are worse in the elderly. Long term use of the drug may create a dependence, and abrupt discontinuation of use may cause delusions. Ambien is on its way to becoming the most popular drug used in date rape because of its quick action time and tasteless quality. New research reports that the drug evidently improves the reversal rate of aphasia in stroke victims. 

MED REVIEW MONDAY

Zolpidem aka Ambien is hypnotic that works by potentiating the GABA neurotransmitter. It is used for the short term treatment of insomnia, however it is also prescribed as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. The pill works quickly (within 15 minutes) so it should be taken shortly before going to bed. There have been many adverse cognitive reactions reported such as hallucinations (“Ambien dreams”), amnesia, and extreme cases of sleep walking (including sleep-eating and even sleep-driving). These side effects are worse in the elderly. Long term use of the drug may create a dependence, and abrupt discontinuation of use may cause delusions. Ambien is on its way to becoming the most popular drug used in date rape because of its quick action time and tasteless quality. New research reports that the drug evidently improves the reversal rate of aphasia in stroke victims. 

Posted at 11:14 PM 20 notes Tags: ambien nursing pharmacology neurology insomnia sleep walking hallucinations date rape toothpastefordinner