March 14, 2007: FDA Orders Stronger Label Warnings for Ambien
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered manufacturers of certain prescription sleep aids, including Ambien, to strengthen their product labeling to include stronger language concerning potential risks -- including the risk of "sleep-driving" episodes. According to the FDA, "sleep driving" is defined as driving while not fully awake after taking sleep aid medication, with no memory of the event. Read the FDA Press Release.

March 8, 2006: Research Suggests Link Between Ambien Use and Car Accidents
CBS News reported new research indicating that Ambien could be contributing to traffic accidents. Tests on blood samples of 2,300 impaired drivers in the state of Wisconsin showed that in 53 of the most extreme cases of strange driving behavior, Ambien was found in the blood. According to the forensic toxicologist examining the samples, the fact that the sleep medicine appears in the blood indicates that either Ambien had been taken in excess, or that these users are not taking Ambien before sleeping at least 7 or 8 hours. Sanofi Aventis, manufacturer of Ambien, has responded to similar reports in the media by stating that Ambien is safe and effective when taken as prescribed.