Ambien can cause a range of side effects, from hallucinations to sleepwalking. While side effects are typically mild, talk with your prescriber if they become severe or cause distress.

Sleep is integral to our health. It signals our bodies to release the hormones that support our memory and our immune systems. It also lowers our risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Plus, getting a good night’s sleep just makes you feel good!

But about 50 to 70 million adults in the United States experience sleep deprivation or a sleep disorder. And close to 38 million of them use prescription zolpidem (Ambien) in order to achieve better sleep. The drug has helped many — some with chronic conditions, others not — improve their sleep patterns.

However, it also comes with a host of known side effects, including decreased awareness, hallucinations, changes in behavior, memory problems, sleepwalking, sleep eating (and cooking), and even sleep driving.

In fact, Ambien has become rather notorious for its weird and wacky side effects. The sleeping pill’s mix of “hypnosis, amnesia, and hallucinations” has led the internet to dub it the “Ambien Walrus.”

We asked our readers: What are the strangest side effects you’ve experienced from taking Ambien?

— Laura, living with RA

— Laureen, living with Crohn’s disease

— Sam, living with Crohn’s disease

— Susan, living with Crohn’s disease

— Janalee, living with migraines

— Kym, living with migraines

— Michael, living with Crohn’s disease

— Shannon, living with hypothyroidism

— Danna, living with migraines

— Britney, living with hypothyroidism

— Denise, living with MS