McCain's Ambien Use: a Security Threat?

McCain's Ambien Use: a Security Threat?

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.

Patients who claimed that they engaged in a bizarre variety of activities while asleep after taking the drug — from binge eating to driving their cars while asleep — lodged class action lawsuit in 2006 against Sanofi-Aventis, the maker of the drug.
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http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Politics/story?id=4919842&page=1


On note I will try to post an anti-McCain OP
every chance I get until Nov. 4th.

He's working full days, at his age he should be able to sleep at the drop of a hat with no assistance.

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., gives a thumbs up as he drinks a coffee at Cafe Versailles on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Miami.
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)



Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., reacts after drinking a shot of strong coffee at Cafe Versailles on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Miami.
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

I wonder if he has to take a dump or even can without another drug?

Scary to think that he may sleep walk and push the nuclear button and anihilate somebody.

:toast:

That's probably the one to worry about. Senility, neurological dysfunctions, ..... ???

I think it depends if the use is chronic or occassional.

or his new career as a Drug company Spokesman.

I've heard too many bad (very bad) things about Ambien to believe that it's a safe drug.

Bush apparently did.

if you've taken a sleeping pill, it's kinda hard to wake up for that 3AM call.

So Mc Snooze's VP pick is very important. He may come into play frequently at 3:00 am.

But I'm quite sure that by now the terrorist know not to attack us at 3:00 am. Half of DC is waiting for that call. Now if we can just find a way to cover the OTHER 23 HOURS! :eyes:

Ambien. Not good for someone who might get called at 3 a.m., or who has a finger on the red button. Several months ago I opened my e-mail one morning to discover I'd won the $68 green glass turtle on e-bay. And this week I woke up to find I'd won the "Aurora Borealis" fabric, again on e-bay. I'd even paid for it through PayPal. No memory of either bidding or buying it. Good buy though. Husband worries that some night I'll decide I need a $3500 sewing machine.

Age. I'm 19 months older than McCain, husband is 13 months younger; judging by our own memories, reflexes, health, energy, strength, we both think he's too old. Saint Ronnie was 70 when he was inaugurated the first time, 74 the second, and look how that turned out.

"You don’t use Ambien? Everybody here uses Ambien."

He didn't clarify who "everybody" was, so make of that what you will.