Reduce Ambien's Dose to Avoid Drowsy Driving

U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now given the nod for new, lower-dose labeling for the popular sleep drug Ambien (zolpidem) with a view to reducing daytime drowsiness. Daytime drowsiness poses a problem while doing tough tasks like driving.

This action follows the FDA's request to manufacturers that such drugs should carry instructions to reduce the recommended dose and enable safety information to patients.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders - Types, Causes, Health risks, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis
Circadian rhythm (also known as sleep/wake cycle or the body clock) is a biological process that follows an internal cycle of roughly 24 hours.

FDA has approved these changes because of the known risk of next-morning impairment with these drugs. The purpose of the lowering is to help decrease the risk of next-morning impairment of activities that require alertness. We’re particularly concerned about driving. A large fraction of the population drives and driving is an inherently dangerous activity”, Dr. Ellis Unger, director of the Office of Drug Evaluation I at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The FDA said that reducing the night time dose will mean there is less residual drug in the blood by the time the person gets up. Thus, it will not interfere with important tasks done during the day.

Source-Medindia

Sleep Disorder : Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes - An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the legs.

Sleep - Overview and Definition
Sleep is a behavioral state of restricted physical activity. It is controlled by our internal biological clock.