We studied people who take Ambien and have side effects from FDA. See what we found. Ambien is a popular sleep medication, and most people do not experience adverse side effects that prevent them from continuing to use the drug. Some people have minor or severe side effects that greatly affect their daily activities. The following are a list of some of the most and least severe Ambien side effects. Other side effects include memory problems, hallucinations, and abuse. The recommended dose was decreased in 2013 due to next-morning impairment. [8] Additionally, driving the next morning is not recommended with either higher doses or the long-acting formulation. [8] Ambien has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with 3,660 people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were documented and then compared to side effects that occurred in another group of people not taking the medicine. Learn about the potential side effects of Ambien (zolpidem). Includes common and rare side effects information for consumers and healthcare professionals. Includes common and rare side effects information for consumers and healthcare professionals. Ambien, or zolpidem, is a commonly prescribed medication that is used as a sleeping pill to treat insomnia. There are a handful of common side effects, but how can Ambien affect your memory and cause amnesia? Our Ambien (zolpidem) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Sinusitis is found among people who take Ambien, especially for people who are female, 60+ old , have been taking the drug for 5 - 10 years, also take medication Zometa, and have Pain. This study is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 69,739 people who have side effects when taking Ambien from FDA, and is updated regularly. Along with its needed effects, zolpidem may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. There are many potential side effects of any drug. At high doses, Ambien may cause amnesia ( memory loss ), suppression of REM sleep , or breathing difficulties. Abrupt cessation of the medication at higher doses may also cause rebound insomnia.