A good night’s sleep is necessary for a healthy body and mind. Even though scientists do not fully understand the intricacies of sleep, research indicates it is essential for our body and brain to recover. Yet, the CDC reports that roughly 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. Doctors may recommend changes in diet and exercise or prescribe medication for restless sleepers. Sleeping pills are designed to remedy sleeping issues and help people fall asleep. However, one common sleeping medication, Ambien, may cause patients to develop dangerous sleeping behaviors.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered injuries after taking the sleep drug Ambien. The sleep medication may induce sleep behaviors that drive patients toward hazardous injuries. If Ambien has harmed you, please reach out today to discuss your potential claim with one of our knowledgeable Ambien lawyers.
The FDA approved Ambien in 1992. Since its approval, Ambien has become one of the most widely prescribed and popular sleeping pills. Ambien contains zolpidem, a sedative that affects the unbalanced chemicals in the brain of people with sleep problems. Doctors prescribe Ambien to individuals with short-term insomnia, a sleep disorder in which patients have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sanofi-Aventis, the manufacturer of Ambien, advises that the onset of sleepiness is rapid. Also, the company claims that Ambien does not cause daytime drowsiness or chemical dependency.
While Ambien patients do not have to worry about falling asleep, many users report unexpected sleeping behaviors. Research indicates that patients taking Ambien are at a higher risk of engaging in troublesome sleeping behaviors. For example, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that Ambien can cause sleep driving and other complex actions while sleeping. Ambien patients have described a number of odd sleep actions, including:
In 2019, the FDA announced it would require a black box warning for multiple Ambien products. This new labeling specifies the risk of serious injury or even death while sleepwalking. Between 1992 and 2018, the FDA received 66 cases of complex sleep behaviors that resulted in severe injuries or death. 20 of the 66 cases reported ended in fatal outcomes. All of these patients revealed they could not remember performing these activities.
Although some of these complex sleep behaviors may sound slightly funny or outrageous, these acts are no laughing matter. Patients report that they are not awake or aware of their actions during these Ambien-induced episodes. Therefore, victims do not understand if they are in or about to cause a harmful situation. Complex sleep behavior may result in:
Lawsuits allege that Ambien causes complex sleep behaviors that can ruin or cost patients their lives. Sanofi-Aventis failed to outline the potential risk of hypnotic sleep effects while on Ambien. This refusal to disclose the full extent of Ambien’s adverse health complications jeopardized the well-being of countless individuals. Since the label did not adequately warn of the possibility of complex sleep behaviors, Sanofi-Aventis prevented patients from making well-informed decisions concerning their treatment.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries caused by complex sleep behavior after taking Ambien, you may qualify for an Ambien lawsuit. An Ambien lawyer can help you recover compensation for:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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