Medical professionals advise against the usage of Ambien for individuals holding specific professions, as stated.
In recent news, Ambien, a widely-used prescription sleep aid, has come under scrutiny due to claims about its use by President Joe Biden.
Fox News Digital reached out to the President's representatives and Cosette Pharmaceuticals, the current manufacturer of Ambien, for comment, but as of now, the details regarding the President's use of the medication remain unclear.
Experts and authorities have voiced their concerns about the potential impact of sleep aids on various professions. For drivers operating commercial vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires a thorough review of each medication by a medical examiner, who may request a letter from the prescribing doctor to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicle operation.
Similarly, the Department of Defense (DOD) advises caution for service members due to the "physiological and cognitive negative side effects" of sleep aids. The DOD requires a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night for "military readiness."
Heavy equipment and machinery operators, as well as pilots and aircrews, are also advised to refrain from operating machinery within 7 to 24 hours after taking a sleep aid. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) specifically advises against flying within 24 hours of taking a sleep aid.
Ambien (zolpidem) is intended for short-term use only, according to GoodRx. However, potential serious and rare side effects include hallucinations, abnormal thinking and behavior, and a possible increased risk of dementia in older adults.
These concerns have led experts to urge caution for law enforcement, first responders, and medical workers in acute healthcare settings, due to the risk of slowed reaction time, cognitive fog, and errors in judgment when using sleep aids.
In light of these concerns, Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News' senior medical analyst, advises that sleep aids should not interfere with performance during procedures. Salena Zito, a political reporter and author, commented on the President's alleged use of Ambien, stating it's bewildering for a president to use a medication that could impair mental alertness.
Hunter Biden, the President's son, alleged in an interview that Ambien could have contributed to his father's apparent cognitive struggles during the first 2024 presidential debate. It is unclear if a doctor has prescribed Ambien to the former president.
Ambien should not be taken by individuals who have known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients, those with severe hepatic impairment, acute respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome, and those who have a history of complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking while on Ambien. The medication is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
As the investigation continues, the potential use of Ambien by President Biden continues to raise questions and concerns among the public and experts alike.
