Dangerous Driving with Sleeping Pills

Q. I had taken the prescription sleeping pill Ambien for almost two years when I started noticing that I had done things the previous night I was not aware of the next day. I travel in my work, so every week I do an expense report. I started finding occasional receipts from restaurants that I didn’t recall going to. My wife and children would tell me about phone conversations with them that I did not remember.
I chalked it up to short-term memory loss but told my doctor about it. He said the Ambien could be contributing and not to take one until I was in bed ready to sleep.
I had an allergy problem one day and took two OTC allergy pills. I checked into a motel around 7. I was feeling tired and unwell, so I prepared to sleep around 8 pm, taking my Ambien after getting into bed. I recall cutting off the light and TV. The next thing I knew was that I was sitting in the back of a police cruiser with my hands cuffed behind my back.
I have regained my memory since I quit Ambien. I don’t sleep as well, but I am not scared of killing anyone driving in my sleep.
A. Sleep-driving is a potential reaction to Ambien (zolpidem). Many visitors to our website (www.peoplespharmacy.com) have reported similar problems. You will find other solutions to insomnia there such as a melatonin or a high-carb snack before bed.