Ambien

I've been on Ambien (on and off) for about a year.
I went off of of it the first time because it upset my stomach so much.
I later went back on it... because I could no longer live without the sleep.
Sleep has been a chronic problem all my life.
I get a lot of anxiety at night before bed too.
Within the past 2 monthes of consistently taking it, I have had a rash that started on my head, then chest and went to my stomach, groin, sides, back and then arms and legs.  Some look sorta like ringworm and some look like bug bites.  I started taking benadryl and using hydrocortizone cream, but did not stop the Ambien.
The rash eventually got better, although, it still has not completely faded.  About 2 weeks ago I got a boil on my finger and now I am getting another one.  The first one has shown no sign of healing yet.  It's quite painful... an open sore. I still develope these red marks that I immediately put hydrocortizone cream on.  They will just appear in whatever place they want and show no signs of stopping.  It's like my body wants to keep producing them. And now within the past week my face has completely broken out.  I've always had relatively good skin so this is scaring the hell out of me.  I'm not a teenager.  I'm 44 years old.  My skin is just getting worse everyday.  Since Ambien is the only thing I'm taking (10 mg) do you think it is this medication?  Or could this medication possibly be messing with my immune system?  Has anyone had problems with their stomach and nausea?  Or with their skin because of Ambien?  Also, I agree with you... my memory isn't what it used to be.  I just need to sleep, though, and cannot decide what is worse.
Help!

[worried878]

I take ambien as needed in small doses...i take a 5 mg pill and pop it in half and have been using it for over 10 years without a tolerence or any abuse...no side effects...i take it to sleep as i have chronic pain and take it most nights....can u try cutting ur dose but i really do not think this is your problem with the skin...r u using anything else?

[plymouthgirl]

I have taken ambien before,it didn't make me sick,I have only taken it a few nights though and then stop.You might want to talk to you doctor about it,my guess is that it might be like any other drug, and you body is trying to get rid of the toxins that has built up in your body.Hope you feel better soon,Plymouthgirl

[worried878]

good post plymouthgirl!

[studiogirl]

thats terrible, i would definitely talk to your doctor.  I have taken ambien on and off for many years but never abused it.  The only reaction I can tell was a decrease in memory.  Nothing physical like that, it almost sounds like an allergy.  Definiteyl call the doc! If you need sleep aids there are other prescriptions alternatives that might work just as well without the side effects.

[worried878]

and again...is ambien the only drug that u take on a regular basis?

[audrina]

Yes, Ambien is the only drug I take on a regular basis.  
And, I have never taken more than 10 mg.

People have suggested it might be nerves.
I do have a history of hives, but they usually go away after I take Benadryl once or twice.
Do you think it could be an allergic reaction to something?  I don't know what.
Or a staph skin infection since I have this boil?  
What other sleep medication could I try?

[Robin6298]

Yes, it definitely sounds like an allergic reaction.  I would make an Dr's apt ASAP to get checked.  If it is an allergy to the Ambien, and you continue to take it, it will just get worse.  You may even end up in anaphylaxis (sp?), which is a deadly allergic reaction.  Your blood pressure drops, trouble breathing, shock often occurs, loss of conciousness, even death.  Nothing to mess with.  I am allergic to Ultram (Tramadol) and I had the same symptoms as you when I tried taking it.  I ended up in the ER.  I now view that as a blessing in disguise, as it's a nasty addictive drug.  

Other sleep meds I've heard of are Lunesta, and Rozerem (sp?).  I don't have personal experience with these, but perhaps others here have.  They are supposed to be non-addictive.   Get to the Dr's and get yourself checked.  Good luck :)