Hunter Biden claims his father Joe Biden was given Ambien before disastrous Donald Trump debate; What are the side effects of the common prescription drug?

The former First Son has spoken, and how.Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s son, recently revealed that his father, the former President of the United States of America, was administered Ambien, a popular prescription sleep aid, just before his infamous 2024 debate against Donald Trump.

Hunter suggested that the anti-insomnia drug might have affected his command of the stage that evening.Biden disclosed that the former President had taken Ambien, a gamma-aminobutyric acid enhancer similar to benzodiazepines, to help him sleep better amid his grueling schedule and advanced age. Describing the former President as “tired as sh–t” and resembling “a deer in the headlights,” Hunter triggered a fresh wave of controversy.

Hunter’s ‘explosive’ claim:

In an extensive interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan, Hunter Biden revealed that his father was administered Ambien before the June 27, 2024, debate, which has been considered to be the defining moment that many believe derailed his presidential reelection bid.

Hunter described his father, Biden, as an “81-year-old,” fatigued from back-to-back international trips, and under the influence of Ambien, leaving him confused and unfocused during the debate’s high-stakes exchange.

"I know exactly what happened in that debate. He flew around the world, basically, the mileage that he could have flown around the world, three times. He's 81 years old. He's tired as s---. They give him Ambien to be able to sleep," Hunter said.Notably, while Hunter cited severe fatigue and medication use, official records have not confirmed any Ambien prescription, and the White House insists no sedatives were administered.

What is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic drug classified as a “Z‑drug,” commonly prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia. It works by enhancing GABA (gamma‑aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that slows CNS activity and induces sleepiness. Typically prescribed for no more than 2–6 weeks, Ambien aims to improve sleep onset and sleep continuity without the addiction profile of benzodiazepines.Ambien (zolpidem) is not available over the counter. It is a prescription medication, meaning it requires a doctor's prescription to be purchased from a pharmacy.

Side effects of Ambien:

While Ambien (zolpidem) is a medication prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, it is not devoid of cons. Ambien’s efficacy in promoting sleep comes with a range of side effects:Drowsiness and dizziness: These are the most frequent symptoms, especially the next day.Grogginess or “hangover” feeling: Impairment in coordination and reaction time, the morning after the pill was taken.Gastrointestinal discomfort: Although uncommon, symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation have been reported.Dry mouth or bitterness: A frequent complaint noted by the NHS.Headaches and muscle aches: Occasionally described in clinical reports.

Serious risks:

Ambien’s label carries a black box warning for potentially drastic side effects:Complex sleep behaviors: Sleepwalking, driving, eating, or engaging in sexual activity while asleep, with no memory afterward.Amnesia and confusion: Patients may experience memory gaps, delusions, or hallucinations.Mood disturbances: Increased anxiety, irritability, aggression, depression, and suicidal ideation are noted both short- and long-term.Respiratory depression: In case of overdose or when combined with depressants like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, it can cause dangerously slow breathing.Next-day impairment: Cognitive and psychomotor skills may remain impaired the following day, significantly affecting driving or other alertness-dependent tasks.

Long-term dependency:

Though intended for short-term use, long-term or excessive use of Ambien brings notable risks:Tolerance and dependency: Frequent users may need escalating doses and experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, tremors, and panic upon abrupt stoppage.Persistent fatigue and headaches: Ongoing use can trigger chronic lethargy, recurrent headaches, muscle pains, and digestive troubles.Mental health decline: Disorders such as depression and increased suicidal thoughts are linked to prolonged Ambien use.