Heard of Ambien lowering b/p?

Nurses Medications

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Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/Step-down.

The other night had my RN tell a pt "no" when requesting Ambien. Said it would drop his b/p (100/60). I never heard that about Ambien and just wondered if anyone else had and if true? I understand Narc's but not Ambien. Thks!

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Check out the prescribing information for Ambien from Sanofi Aventis. Hypotension is listed as a rare adverse effect (noted in less than 0.1% of patients), while postural hypotension was infrequent (noted in between 0.1% and 1% of patients).

AMBIEN - Zolpidem Tartrate

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Ambien dosen't usually lower BP. I would have gave it. Some pts run with BP 100/60. She was just being cautious. But I still would have given it.

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

The main problem I have encountered with Ambien is extreme confusion in elderly clients.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I'd give it with a BP of 100/60. But if the BP was lower and the patient had had cardiac meds, I have noticed that the BP does drop about 10 points. Now that's not a big difference if the BP is 100/60, but when the SBP is 89 or 90, it makes me nervous to think of a 10 point drop.

There might not be any studies to support it, but I've noticed this more with Ambien than Restoril.

Maybe it's the combination of meds?

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Specializes in L&D, medsurg,hospice,sub-acute.

I know I have seen it lower high (90-110) heart rates in anxious patients.....

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I would watch out for some patients that you give this to. I know alot of people and myself that have taken this and did something like cook and woke up in the morning and thought something was in my house. You forget things. This happened to my dad, me, and some friends. Its scary. Just make sure the person is laying down after you give it to him.

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Drowsiness or confusion are main side effects.The RN in this case was just being overly-cautious.

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Holly - Yes, Ambien can lower B/P. I take Ambien CR and my MD told me that if I felt that my B/P was low not to take it. I take Tenormin for my B/P. and it's gotten to where I only take my Ambien 2-3 times a week. And if I am going to work, I can't take it because I have a MAJOR hangover!!! 's RN

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Why does Ambien and a b-blocker magnify the effect of lowering BP and HR, especially when pt's BP and HR were within normal parameter initially?

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