Can I get a DUI from taking Ambien?

Answer by  joshandeleisa (331)

Ambien will not show up as alcohol on your breath, however you can still get in trouble for a DWI, Driving While Intoxicated. The officer could get a blood test to determine what is in your system. It is possible that the officer will think you are on illegal drugs.

Answer by  sue123 (375)

There is no alcohol whatsoever in the medication Ambien, so the answer to your question is an emphatic NO. Having said that I implore you, or anyone else for that matter, to NEVER EVER get behind the wheel of a car after taking Ambien, as it is a sleeping pill and there have been many accidents associated with Ambien use.

Answer by  whoareyou (3483)

Ambien will not show up on your breath like alcohol would because it's a pill, not a liquid. However it will show up in your blood, and probably in your urine for a short time after you take it, and you can get a DUI. It is illegal to be driving while at all impaired, under influence of ANY drug.

Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

Officers look for other signs of intoxication besides breathalizers. The look at you ability to do certain physical activities, the responsivness of your eyes, you ability the speak coherently, etc. Ambien will cause drowsiness, and dull the senses somewhat, and if you are not used to taking it, an officer can tell. So yes, you could be DUI on Ambien.

Answer by  Melissa101010 (4405)

Ambien will not show up as alcohol on your breath. It is a pill that you take to help you sleep. You might get a reckless driving ticket but not a DUI from taking Ambien. Yes a police office can tell the difference between alcohol and ambien. There are different reactions to each.

Answer by  Hepets84 (139)

Ambien will not show up as alcohol on your breath, however, if you get caught you can definitely get charged with driving while impaired. Ambien is a sedative meant to make you sleep - not going to sleep can cause hallucinations. It's not safe (and illegal) to drive on it.

Answer by  lynn (821)

i do not think it will show up as alcohol although there probably is some sort of dui type think you might get as it is dangerous to be driving after taking ambien

Answer by  bitchstewie (489)

Yes you can get a DUI for Ambien as you are driving while impaired. THis will not show up on a breathalyzer but a police officer will be able to tell that you are impaired.

Answer by  jb22 (18)

Driving Under the Influence includes more than just the effects of alcohol. A substance that impairs your ability to think clearly and make sound judgements while driving a vehicle can result in impaired driving.

Answer by  Cjc (299)

Ambien will not show up as alcohol on your breath. But that does not mean you can't get a DUI. DUI, after all, stands for Driving Under the Influence - not just being drunk or alcohol. If the Ambien makes you impaired (swerving in and out, etc) or too sleepy, you can still be cited.

Answer by  Kat76 (475)

It will not show up on your breath, but the officer may choose to do a blood test, which will show that your are under the influence.

Answer by  Anonymous

Yes! It happened to me. I got a DUI for a minor fender bender- no damage- but I got cited for a DUI. No alcohol at all. And Ambien was taken 8 hours before.