Does Ambien Cause Acid Reflux?

When a medication causes a side effect in an area that seems completely unrelated to the problem for which it is prescribed, it can take quite a while to notice.We have heard for many years that zolpidem (Ambien) seems to trigger serious heartburn in some people. But the connection isn’t necessarily immediately obvious. Here is one reader’s experience:

Q. I read on your website that the sleeping pill Ambien can cause acid reflux. I have been taking Ambien for about 20 years. I have terrible reflux. After reading your article I realized my heartburn started at the time I started taking Ambien.

When Will Acid Reflux Symptoms Go Away?

Do you think that eventually (I have been off it for one week) my acid reflux might clear up? Ironically, it is the same doctor who has been prescribing the acid reflux medicine that has also been prescribing the Ambien.

The Evidence on This Side Effect:

A. Zolpidem (Ambien) remains one of the most popular prescription sleeping pills on the market. There is relatively little awareness that the drug can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The official prescribing information mentions that dyspepsia (the medical term for heartburn) is a frequent side effect, but your doctor would have had to dig to find it. A study in the journal BMJ Open (Feb. 27, 2012) describes “regurgitation” brought on by zolpidem and warns that this might damage the esophagus and increase the risk of cancer.

Another reader shared this story:

“I went through hell as a result of Ambien. I had about $40,000 in medical bills from all the diagnostic tests and procedures. Nobody could figure out what was causing the reflux. Four weeks after stopping Ambien I was totally cured of all my symptoms.”

This person’s experience suggests that you may need to practice patience. It seems realistic to expect relief of acid reflux symptoms within four to six weeks of discontinuing zolpidem. You may be interested in our Guide to Digestive Disorders or our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep for more information on these problems.