Sleep-driving scary Ambien side effect
Q. You invited readers who have had trouble with Ambien to write. I had two incidents in 2003 when I drove in my sleep while taking Ambien. Once, I bought a pack of cigarettes while I was out. I did not realize this until I saw them on the kitchen counter the following morning.
In October of 2005, I went on a cruise. I took Ambien to get some sleep, but my roommate reported that I got up in the middle of the night and started walking around. Someone found me and took me to the doctor’s office on board. I slept there all night and remember waking up in a fog. The doctor was sitting in a chair with a notebook, looking after me. I have not taken another Ambien, because I am afraid of what I might do.
A. We keep hearing from people who sleepwalk or even sleep-drive while taking Ambien. Although this appears to be a rare side effect, it is disconcerting and potentially dangerous.
Q. My neighbor is about 30 years old. She weighs about 98 pounds soaking wet and is less than 5 feet tall.
I am early 50s, 6 feet tall and over 220 pounds. I have significantly more body muscle and (sadly) more body fat. So how can a dosage of a medicine like aspirin or cold medicine be “for adults”?
A. Your point is well-taken. Drug dosing (prescription as well as OTC) should be individualized. Offering a single adult dose for everyone would be like trying to get everyone into a size 10 shoe. Sadly, the Food and Drug Administration has not required nonprescription drugs to have more detailed weight-based dosing instructions.
Q. Following my doctor’s suggestion, I have been taking magnesium for osteoporosis. I also have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I don’t know if it will help my osteoporosis, but my fibromyalgia is much better. I sleep better at night, and my appetite is improved.
What bothers me is the loose stool. Is it all right to take one pill (400 mg) every other day?
A. Magnesium can cause diarrhea, especially when the dose gets to 300 mg or more per day. Why not try a dose of 200 or 250 mg daily, and see if you tolerate that?
Q. I love to eat hard-boiled eggs, but do not like the yolk. Do I get any type of benefit just eating the white of the egg? The dog gets the yolk!
A. Egg white provides high-quality, low-fat protein. Your dog is getting all the cholesterol, but also the other nutrients such as lutein found in egg yolks.