The makers of Ambien and other sleeping medications must lower their recommended dosages for women, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday.
The concern is that after taking the pills at night, folks may continue feeling drowsy in the morning, making them a danger on that morning commute and in other activities that require alertness.
The FDA has received 700 reports of "impaired ability and/or road traffic accidents," which are believed to be the effects of zolpidem, the active ingredient in these sleeping pills.
The FDA's warning specifically addresses women, who are most at risk, and says recommended dosages should be cut from 10 mg to 5 mg in immediate-release pills, and from 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg in extended-release pills.
In its safety announcement, the FDA reminded all doctors and patients: "To decrease the potential risk of impairment with all insomnia drugs, health care professionals should prescribe, and patients should take, the lowest dose capable of treating the patient's insomnia."
