The side effects of Ambien, especially when used in the large doses that doctor shopping allows, are dangerous and may be life threatening. Because slowed breathing is an effect of Ambien, if it is taken in larger doses, it can slow breathing to the point of coma or death.

Doctors in 2026 are increasingly hesitant to prescribe Ambien (zolpidem) due to strict FDA Boxed Warnings regarding "complex sleep behaviors." These rare but serious side effects include sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and even engaging in dangerous activities like using a stove while not fully awake, which have resulted in injuries and fatalities. Because these behaviors can occur after just one dose, even in patients with no prior history, doctors now view it as a high-risk medication. Additionally, Ambien is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a significant potential for physical and psychological dependence and addiction if used long-term. Medical professionals now prioritize safer alternatives like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) or newer classes of "dual orexin receptor antagonists" (DORAs) that have a lower risk of next-day grogginess and complex sleep-related accidents.