Constipation is a side effect of Ambien, especially with prolonged use or overuse. However, it’s less common compared to other side effects.

Zolpidem, commonly known by its brand name Ambien, is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of medications called sedative-hypnotics, which slow down brain activity, helping people fall asleep faster and maintain sleep throughout the night.

Like all medications, Ambien comes with potential side effects. Commonly reported ones include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches. While these are more frequent, constipation can also occur, especially with prolonged use or overuse of the medication.

Let’s see whether constipation is a common side effect of Ambien, why it happens, and when to seek medical help.

Yes, Ambien can cause constipation, although it’s less common compared with other side effects. Ambien affects the central nervous system (CNS) by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity to promote sleep.

This process leads to CNS depression, which slows brain activity and other bodily functions, such as digestion. When digestion slows, bowel movements become less frequent and harder to pass, which can lead to constipation.

Long-term use or overuse of Ambien can also increase the risk of constipation. When you take Ambien for a longer period or in higher doses than prescribed, your body may become dependent on the medication, which can further disrupt normal digestion and make constipation more persistent.

Additionally, reduced physical activity, which is often associated with the use of sleep medications such as Ambien, can worsen constipation. Reduced physical activity slows down peristalsis, the muscle contractions that move food and waste through the digestive tract.

This delay can lead to longer transit times for stool, making constipation more likely.

Constipation is a less frequent side effect of Ambien compared with more common ones like drowsiness and dizziness. However, certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing constipation while taking the medication.

These factors include age, overall health, and the duration of medication use. For example, long-term use of Ambien can lead to constipation because it affects the CNS, which helps control how the digestive system works.

When the CNS is disrupted, it can slow down intestinal movement, making it harder for the body to pass stool regularly. This can lead to constipation, especially when other factors like dehydration or a low fiber diet are also present.

Despite these contributing factors, there is limited data on how common constipation is with Ambien use. More research is needed to fully understand the link.

While Ambien can be effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia, it may also cause other side effects. These can vary in severity and frequency among different people.

Short-term side effects are often milder and subside as your body adjusts within a few days or weeks, while long-term use can lead to serious outcomes, such as dependency or withdrawal symptoms.

Other side effects of Ambien use include:

  • drowsiness
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • heart palpitations (rapid, irregular heart rate sensation)
  • grogginess
  • dry mouth
  • muscle pain
  • chest pain​​

Serious side effects include:

  • Allergic reactions: Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and nausea and vomiting.
  • Depression or worsening depression: You may notice changes in mood, including new or worsening depression.
  • Complex sleep behaviors: You may perform activities while not fully awake, such as driving, eating, or making phone calls with no memory of the activity.
  • Abnormal thoughts and behavior: You may experience confusion, aggressiveness, agitation, or hallucinations (seeing or hearing unreal things).
  • Withdrawal effects: Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, or shakiness may occur upon stopping the drug suddenly after long-term use.
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions: In rare cases, some may have thoughts of suicide or engage in behavior that could harm themselves.
Medical emergency

If you experience serious side effects, contact emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

If you’re experiencing severe constipation lasting more than a week that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter treatments, it’s important to get medical help.

You should also consider getting medical help if you experience any of the following:

  • shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
  • excessive sleepiness that interferes with daily activities
  • confusion, trouble recalling recent events, or feelings of disorientation
  • worsening depression, anxiety, or irritability that persists
  • signs of dependency, such as feeling you need Ambien to sleep or experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping

Getting medical help ensures your safety and allows for the early management of any potential complications.

What is the most common side effect of Ambien?

The most common side effect of Ambien is drowsiness, which often extends into the next day. This can make it difficult to perform tasks that require full alertness, such as driving.

Can Ambien cause gastrointestinal problems?

Yes, Ambien can cause gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas.

Can other sleeping medications make you constipated?

Yes, other sleeping medications, especially those that act as sedatives, can lead to reduced physical activity and slow down digestion, leading to constipation.

While constipation is not a common side effect of Ambien, it can happen, especially with long-term use or higher doses. Ambien affects the CNS, which may slow digestion, making bowel movements less frequent and harder to pass.

Factors like dehydration and reduced physical activity can also increase the risk. Staying hydrated, moving regularly, and using Ambien as prescribed can help manage constipation. If symptoms persist, consider speaking with your doctor.