Do you act normal when you take Zolpidem at night?

Answer 1

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative hypnotic drug. Within 30 minutes of taking it, most people will simply become sleepy and relaxed, as Ambien attaches to GABA receptors, similar to benzodiazepines. Some people report Ambien gives them the "munchies."

More importantly, Ambien can produce amnesia as it takes effect: it can cause one to do things for which one has no recall on awakening. That is why there are ample warnings on drug websites, on the Ambien website and on prescription bottles about taking Ambien only when one is ready to go to directly to bed.

In my work as a registered nurse, I have found that Ambien given to elderly patients has frequently resulted in their not falling asleep. Instead, they enter a delirious, stuporous state and are challenging to manage, as it is difficult or impossible to reorient them in that condition. They will often insist on wandering about a unit for hours, which is a risk because Ambien can sometimes affect one's balance. This is especially problematic in those elderly with underlying dementia. As a result, I don't find many physicians prescribing Ambien for elderly inpatients these days.