Reply #67: I thin sfexpat is on target in her response

[suffragette]

Something I've been thinking about more is how some reports specified Ivins was taking Ambien along with drinking and with other prescription tranquilizers.


Two thoughts about the Ambien after looking it up and verifying the following info at http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html
I bolded areas of concern.

1) Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Ambien, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

So, if he has these problems, why was Ambien prescribed? Was there any monitoring?


2) Ambien side effects

Ambien may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Ambien and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Ambien and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
worsening sleep problems;
depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself;
unusual thoughts, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;
aggression, feeling agitated;
hallucinations, confusion, loss of personality.

Less serious Ambien side effects may include:
daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed;
lack of coordination;
amnesia, forgetfulness;
vivid or abnormal dreams;
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
headache, muscle pain; or
blurred vision.

How long was he taking Ambien? Is it at all connected to his purported behavior? Was he still taking it in July?

And with Ambien and tranquilizers at hand (if he still had them), why Tylenol?

edited for formatting