[hsalaw]

and have wild sex with their spouses or other people

From a SLEEPING PILL? What am I missing here? I thought Ambien was a sleeping pill; why are people eating ice cream sandwichs and having wild sex after taking a sleeping pill? Not that I think for a moment Kennedy was anything but drunk.

[gidget7]

Because, as it states in the article:

When mixed with alcohol or pot, it produces a hallucinogenic effect, and a party drug. Translation, makes people do things they wouldn't ordinarily do, or maybe I should say "helps them to do things they wouldn't do without the drugs" Also it is readily available, and taken by a lot of KIDS already on anti depressants.

It is entirely possible Kennedy did take Ambian, AND was drinking, as has been reported by those who served him the drinks. It wouldn't exactly be unheard of for a Kennedy to "party" with or without the use of drugs.

[Gondring]

Another thread is pointing out how trazodone (an older drug that costs far less since it's now generic) is equally effective, without such side-effects. Trazodone doesn't work for everyone, but it sounds like a better place to start. The problem is, patients see the marketing for Ambien and ask for the latest thing rather than try what might work just as well. On the other hand, there's that pesky priapism side-effect that can occur with trazodone.

IOW, body chemistry and pharmacology are far too complex for lawyers. :-)