Long term effects of Ambien on the body (INFOGRAPHIC)

Long term effects of Ambien on the body

Ambien (zolpidem) is used to treat sleep disorders. But Ambien slows activity in the brain. Due to its sedative properties, what are its long term effects on the body? We review here.

Possible damage to the brain:

• abnormal dreams
• amnesia
• anxiety
• delirium
• delusions
• depersonalization
• depression
• hallucinations
• insomnia
• lethargy
• memory impairment
• short term memory loss

Possible damage to the cardiovascular system:

• blood clots
• cerebrovascular disorder
• hypertension
• inflammation of the walls of veins
• palpitation
• syncope

Possible damage to the ear, nose, throat:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• nose bleeding
• otitis
• rhinitis
• sinusitis
• sore throat

Possible damage to the heart:

• angina pectoris
• arrhythmia
• heart attack
• tachycardia

Possible damage to the kidney:

• acute renal failure
• renal pain
• urinary incontinence
• urinary retention
• urinary tract infection

Possible damage to the liver:

• abnormal hepatic function
• bilirubinemia
• increased SGOT
• increased SGPT

Possible damage to the lungs:

• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• respiratory depression
• respiratory failure
• upper respiratory infections

Possible damage to the mouth:

• altered saliva
• changes in taste
• dry mouth
• increased salivation
• tooth caries

Possible damage to the skin:

• dermatitis
• pruritus
• rashes
• skin color change

About the author

Lee Weber

Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.