Does Ambien Put Elderly Drivers At Risk Of A Car Accident?

Insomnia is one of the most common medical problems that adults face as they get older. It’s estimated that 30-35 percent of adults experience some form of insomnia during their lifetimes, and considering that it can cause fatigue, memory loss, and auto accidents, insomnia is a concern that we all need to take seriously. However, a new study brings into question whether the cure can be better than the ailment.

Zolpidem, also known as Ambien, has been linked to traffic accidents in a study from the University of Alabama. Researchers analyzed data gathered from 2,000 individuals 70 years or older and found that the 4 percent that took the sleeping aid Ambien had higher vehicle collision rates. Out of that group of Zolpidem users, researchers also found that women taking the drug were 61 percent more likely to have car crashes, and people over 80 who were on Ambien were twice as likely to have been in a car crash within the past five years.

Knowing Drug Side Effects Can Minimize Risk

Higher motor vehicle accident risks have also been attributed to other sedatives and sleep aids such as trazodone (Oleptro) and temazepam (Restoril). In 2013, the FDA recommended that doctors prescribe lower doses of sedative-hypnotics to treat insomnia because the medication can remain in the bloodstream after awakening in the morning, which can interfere with driving. It is also advised that doctors inform patients about these potentially dangerous side effects because being aware of them may help reduce the risk of an accident. In some cases, people have even been charged with a DUI Ambien for driving under the influence of prescription drugs such as these.

Keep following our blog for even more info about staying safe while driving in Macon.

This has been a message from the Macon car accident attorneys of The McArthur Law Firm, protecting Georgians with record-breaking verdicts and settlements.