McCain's Ambien Use: a Security Threat?

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Politics/story?id=4919842

In a presidential race marked by references to preparedness in the face of the 3 a.m. call, the revelation that presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain has taken the sleeping pill Ambien during his travels raises concerns that the rare side effects of the medication could impair his judgment.

"Taking more than the recommended dosage of Ambien or combining it with other sedative-hypnotics  for example, alcohol  may result in amnesia, fugue states and sleep walking," said Dr. Peter A. Fotinakes, medical director of the St. Joseph Sleep Disorders Center in Orange, Calif. "Used appropriately, Ambien is a relatively safe medication."

Though rare, such side effects associated with Ambien have made headlines.

I got moderated :(

so he'll be hard asleep when that 3:00 AM call comes.

I have a relative who took up sleep cooking while on Ambien, but really, he'd probably be safer in a tightly controlled atmosphere like the White House than in one of his seven residences while he's on it.

We have better arguments to use.

But us old farts need it occasionally. It definitely has some addictive qualities. On the rare occasions I take it, I wake up groggy the next morning. But then, if McCain's work ethic is like Bush's, a sleeping president is a GOOD thing.

TV commercials push it - call an 800 number for a free pill coupon to take to your Doc. It's use is very common.

Easy come, easy go.