Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

Which of these is a potential side effect of Ambien?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Nausea

3. Drowsiness

4. Hyperactivity

The correct answer is: Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a well-known side effect of Ambien, which is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. Ambien works as a sedative-hypnotic, targeting the brain's neurotransmitters to help initiate sleep. The sedative nature of the drug leads to a calming effect that often results in the user feeling drowsy, which is the intended effect when the medication is taken as prescribed. As Ambien influences sleep architecture and promotes the onset of sleep, its primary function might lead to residual drowsiness during waking hours, particularly if the user does not allocate enough time for sleep in conjunction with the medication. This side effect is important for users to be aware of, as it can impact daily activities where alertness is necessary, such as driving or operating machinery. Understanding this side effect helps ensure that individuals taking Ambien are properly educated about its potential impact on their levels of alertness after use.