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Relatives of Hard Rock Hotel executive Randy Kwasniewski, who committed suicide in March 2010, filed a wrongful death lawsuit Wednesday against the company that manufactures the sleeping pill Ambien.
The lawsuit alleges sanofi-aventis U.S., a limited liability company based in Delaware, knew Ambien was defective "and had the propensity to cause severe injury, including death."
Unbeknownst to Kwasniewski, the complaint alleges, "Ambien may produce suicidal thoughts, ideations, strange bizarre behaviors and actions."
"Defendant was well-aware of numerous adverse reactions to Ambien which resulted in suicide or suicidal ideation," according to the document, which claims sanofi-aventis "deliberately underwarned about the possible reactions to Ambien."
Sanofi-aventis spokesman Jack Cox issued a statement Wednesday via email: "We're not able to comment on litigation. However, what I can tell you is that as with all medications, it is important that patients only take Ambien as directed by their physician and as described in the prescribing information."
According to the lawsuit, a Nevada physician prescribed the drug for Kwasniewski, "and he used it as prescribed."
After taking Ambien around March 8, 2010, Kwasniewski "developed symptoms and ultimately died on March 9, 2010 as a result of the side effects of Ambien."
Kwasniewski, 56, was found dead in his Summerlin home March 9, 2010. He died of a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Clark County coroner's office reported.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/crime-courts/family-hard-rock-exec-who-committed-suicide-sues-drug-company
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Ambien (Zolpidem) - Completed Suicide - Suspected Cause - Side Effect Reports
http://www.druglib.com/reported-side-effects/ambien/reaction_completed_suicide/
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Anti-Anxiety Drug Ambien—Side Effects
The risks of these drugs are provided so the public can make informed, educated decisions. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic anti-anxety drug, also known as Ambien CR, Ivedal, Myslee, Nimadorm, Stilnoct, Stilnox, Stilnox CR, Zolpidem, Zolt, Zolpimist.
Drug Agency Regulatory Warnings: There have been 4 drug regulatory agency warnings issued from two countries on Ambien causing:
- Abnormal Sleep Behaviors
- Breathing Problems in Newborns
- Life-threatening Allergic Reactions
Drug Studies: There have been 2 studies published from two countries on Ambien causing:
- Suicide Risk
- Violence
Documented Side Effects of Ambien:
Source: Physicians Desk Reference and/or National Institutes of Health’s Medline Plus and the drug label.
Abnormal Thinking
Auditory/Visual Hallucinations
Behavioral Changes
Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing/Swallowing
Difficulty Keeping Balance
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
Drugged Feeling
Lethargy
Feeling Like Throat is Closing
Auditory/Visual Hallucinations
Behavioral Changes
Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing/Swallowing
Difficulty Keeping Balance
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
Drugged Feeling
Lethargy
Feeling Like Throat is Closing
Hives
Impaired Motor/Cognitive Performance
Joint, Back, or Neck Pain
Muscle Aches or Cramps
Pain, Burning, Numbness, or Tingling in Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs
Pounding Heartbeat
Ringing, Pain, or Itching in Ears
Shortness of Breath
Sinusitis
Impaired Motor/Cognitive Performance
Joint, Back, or Neck Pain
Muscle Aches or Cramps
Pain, Burning, Numbness, or Tingling in Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs
Pounding Heartbeat
Ringing, Pain, or Itching in Ears
Shortness of Breath
Sinusitis
Sleep-Driving
Stomach Pain/Tenderness
Suicidal Thoughts/Actions
Swelling of ohe Eyes, Face, Lips, Tongue, or Throat
Uncontrollable Shaking of a Body Part
Unsteady Walking
Unusual Dreams
Unusual Sensitivity
Vision Problems
Worsening of Depression
Stomach Pain/Tenderness
Suicidal Thoughts/Actions
Swelling of ohe Eyes, Face, Lips, Tongue, or Throat
Uncontrollable Shaking of a Body Part
Unsteady Walking
Unusual Dreams
Unusual Sensitivity
Vision Problems
Worsening of Depression
Note: Side effects of psychiatric drugs can persist for months, if not years, after stopping them. Click here to learn more >>
Adverse Reaction Reports Filed with the US FDA: There have been 5,065 adverse reactions reported to the US FDA in connection with Ambien.
The FDA estimates that less than 1% of all serious events are
ever reported to it, so the actual number of side effects occurring are
most certainly higher.http://www.cchrint.org/psychiatric-drugs/antianxietysideeffects/ambiensideeffects/
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