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Pennkinetic used with Ambien and Clonidine

Hey everyone - I have someone who is using the above drugs combined and takes them in the evening prior to going to bed.  Can anyone tell me if there are contraindications with combining the three of these?  The person is experiencing insomnia (even though Ambien is supposed to keep you asleep for 7-8 hours), wakes up several times per night, is restless, seems to be experiencing some sort of mental confusion during the day, etc.  Also, although the cough syrup (Pennkinetic) was optional, they now regularly use it (and if it is not given to them, actually ask to have it).

BTW - the person has a history of heart failure (30% squeeze of the heart today), renal cancer is in remission and had a few areas on the lung, of which most have been targeted via laser (today, only one is supposed to exist), diabetes, weakness of muscles and experiencing extreme fatigue (sleeping most of the day), issues with trying to get food down them on a consistent basis.

Any help you can give is appreciated!

Thanks everyone.
4 Responses
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518798 tn?1295212279
It is the AMBIEN causing the confusion.  I am sorry to be so blunt, but most everyone on here knows my feelings about ambien.  If taken in conjunction with other drugs, it will make you have severe memory loss, do things you normally wouldn't do.  I sent emails like crazy when I was asleep.  I go back sometimes just to remind myself how I NEVER want to be in that position again.

If this person is taking the Ambien and it is not keeping them asleep for the full 7-8 hours, tell the doctor, don't adjust the dosage on your own, you will have horrible problems.  Please take it from someone who has been there for years.
Helpful - 0
545899 tn?1215217477
http://www.medicinenet.com/zolpidem/article.htm
check out the side effects and adverse effects

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of Zolpidem are drowsiness, dizziness, and a "drugged" feeling, which probably reflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes


one of which is confusion and insomnia...   check with the doc or pharmacist look for a substitute
Helpful - 0
545899 tn?1215217477
I know a few people that have had problems with ambien working adversely on them causing problems sleeping.  
Not sure the clonidine and ambien are both used to help with sleep in the evenings.  the only thing I can see that might cause the restlessness is "(sleeping most of the day)". The mental confusion may be caused by not sleeping the meds off at night.  If you think the problem is because of the medication try eliminating one of the two for a night or so and see if the problem subsides...   other than that I'd say talk to the doctor. You should probably talk to the doc before you go jacking with the meds on your own, considering the health problems that already exist.  Better safe than sorry
Helpful - 0
544292 tn?1268882668
Call a local pharmacy and tell them the names of the drugs and their computer should be able to tell you if there is a contraindication there. I don't know that anyone here will be able to answer you, but a Pharmasist will.

Good luck!
Emily
Helpful - 0
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