Some prescription insomnia medicines can cause unusual activities while a person is not fully awake. These events are known as complex sleep behaviors and may occur even when the medicine has been taken as directed.
Ambien vs Lunesta is an important comparison from a safety perspective because both medicines carry an FDA boxed warning about these potentially serious events.
What Are Complex Sleep Behaviors?
Complex sleep behaviors are activities performed during a state in which a person is not fully awake and may have little or no memory of the event afterward.
Examples can include:
Sleepwalking.
Sleep-driving.
Preparing or eating food while not fully awake.
Other activities performed without normal awareness.
These behaviors can result in serious injury or death. They are different from ordinary morning grogginess or feeling tired after a poor night's sleep.
Why Are Ambien and Lunesta Relevant?
Ambien contains zolpidem, and Lunesta contains eszopiclone. The FDA warns that both medicines, along with certain other prescription sleep drugs, can cause complex sleep behaviors.
Such events may occur after an initial dose or after subsequent use. A person should not assume that previous uneventful doses guarantee future safety.
What Should You Do if an Episode Occurs?
If you or someone you care for experiences a complex sleep behavior while taking one of these medicines, stop taking the medicine and contact a healthcare professional immediately. FDA guidance says patients who have experienced such an event after taking these medicines should not be prescribed them again.
If an injury has occurred or there is an immediate danger, seek emergency assistance.
Tell the clinician what happened, when the medicine was taken, and whether alcohol or other sedating substances were involved. Do not take another dose while waiting for medical guidance.
Can One Medicine Be Assumed Safer?
No. It is not appropriate to assume that Ambien or Lunesta is free from this risk. The choice of insomnia treatment should take account of medical history, previous reactions, other medicines, and the nature of the sleep problem.
Conclusion
Complex sleep behaviors are rare but serious risks associated with certain prescription sleep medicines. Knowing the warning signs and responding promptly can help prevent further harm. Discuss any previous episode with a healthcare professional before considering another insomnia treatment.
Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and does not replace urgent or individualized medical care.
Authoritative reference: FDA boxed warning on serious injuries caused by complex sleep behaviors
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