Whenever my wife took Ambien and Accutane together, she had alcohol-like breath. Why?

Question

Hello doctor,

My wife has taken Ambien 5 mg, once or twice a week to get to sleep after a difficult day at work. She used to take the 5 mg without any problems, for almost a year. A couple of months ago, she started a course of Accutane. At first, she took 20 mg per day, now it is down to 10 mg per day, and it made her sensitive to her Ambien when she would take that. When she cut the 5 mg pill and took what looked to be close to 1 mg worth, she would develop this strange alcohol-like breath about an hour after taking the pill. The breath would go away after 30 to 45 minutes. She also has complained of her entire body's skin getting itchy for about the same time period, after taking the low-dose Ambien.

I have told her to quit the Ambien while she's on the Accutane, but she is trying to give herself small doses, that still result in those reactions. Are these reactions symptoms of something much more dangerous, or are they like an allergy and not indicative of permanent damage? Any help is appreciated. I am trying to weigh when and how to approach this subject with her.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The symptoms are most likely due to an interaction between Accutane (Isotretinoin) and Ambien (Zolpidem). This could increase the levels of Ambien in the blood immediately after taking it.

The symptoms are highly suggestive of an allergic reaction. She could either be allergic to Ambien or a compound derived from it.

I do not think that they signify a major disease. However, I would recommend taking an alternative medicine like Ativan (Lorazepam), etc.

Take care and God bless.

For more information consult a sleep medicine physician online

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

A temporary reaction which occurs only after taking the medicine is unlikely to be due to a liver or kidney disease.

The breath is due to the metabolite, formed as a result of the interaction between the two drugs, to which she is allergic. This compound could be excreted through respiration, and that could explain the breath.

However, this is all theory, and there are no investigations to confirm it. A combination of interaction and allergy is the most likely explanation for this phenomenon.

For more information consult a sleep medicine physician online

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Even though that is unlikely, you can get liver and renal function tests done to settle your worry.

As there are no other symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, or yellow urine, the chances of a liver or renal problem are unlikely.

For more information consult a sleep medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/sleep-medicine-physician