I looked up the side effects for Ambien. Pretty impressive!
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zolpidem-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20061195?p=1
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Chest pain
confusion
confusion about identity, place, and time
discouragement
false or unusual sense of well-being
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling sad or empty
fever
general feeling of discomfort or illness
irritability
lack of appetite
lightheadedness
loss of interest or pleasure
shakiness and unsteady walk
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common or rare
Anxiety
bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings
chills
cold sweats
crying
decreased awareness or responsiveness
depersonalization
difficult, burning, or painful urination
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
dry mouth
dysphoria
euphoria
fainting
frequent urge to urinate
hyperventilation
irregular heartbeats
irritability
lower back or side pain
paranoia
quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
restlessness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
severe sleepiness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
shortness of breath
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
Rare
Attack, assault, or force
black, tarry stools
change in walking and balance
clumsiness or unsteadiness
cough
delusions
dementia
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
hives, itching, or skin rash
lack of feeling or emotion
pale skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
swollen glands
thoughts of killing oneself or changes in behavior
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing with exertion
uncaring
unusual bleeding or bruising
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Drowsiness
headache
muscle aches
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stuffy or runny nose
Less common
Abdominal or stomach discomfort
acid or sour stomach
back pain
being forgetful
belching
body aches or pain
congestion
diarrhea
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
difficulty with moving
double vision
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
heartburn
hoarseness
indigestion
longer or heavier menstrual periods
loss of memory
muscle pain or stiffness
nausea
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
seeing double
sensation of spinning
tender, swollen glands in the neck
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
voice changes
Less common or rare
Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
breast pain
change in taste
changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
increased sweating
itching of the vagina or genital area
pain during sexual intercourse
paleness of the skin
slurred speech
thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
vomiting
Rare
Blemishes on the skin
blindness
blurred vision
change in near or distance vision
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
difficulty in focusing eyes
eye pain
feeling of warmth
frequent urge to defecate
inability to have or keep an erection
increased appetite
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
lack or loss of strength
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
pimples
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
redness or other discoloration of the skin
severe sunburn
stomach upset
straining while passing stool
tearing
weight loss
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball
I think she has a defense if she was truly on Ambien, based on the side effects:
•confusion about identity, place, and time
•depersonalization
•quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
•thoughts of killing oneself or changes in behavior
•changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
•Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
I think I’d rather take a pill that makes me racist than risk all of those nightmarish side effects!