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Medical professionals are weighing in after Hunter Biden suggested that his father’s use of sleeping pills may have contributed to his cognitive struggles during the 2024 presidential debates.
Former President Joe Biden’s son made these comments during an interview released on Monday with YouTube host Andrew Callaghan.
During the interview, Hunter Biden referenced his father’s first presidential debate on June 27, 2024, which was deemed “disastrous” and led to Joe Biden withdrawing from the race. Hunter Biden attributed his father’s performance to the use of the sleep aid Ambien.
“I’ll tell you what, I know exactly what happened in that debate. He flew around the world, basically, and the mileage that he could have flown around the world three times,” Hunter Biden said during the interview.
“He’s 81 years old. He’s tired as heck. They give him Ambien to be able to sleep. He gets up on stage and he looks like he’s a deer in the headlights. And it feeds into the story that anybody wants to tell.”
Medical professionals are weighing in after Hunter Biden suggested that his father’s use of sleeping pills may have contributed to his cognitive struggles during the 2024 presidential debates. (Getty Images)
Ambien (generic name zolpidem) is a prescription medication for insomnia. It is intended for short-term use only.
Some common side effects of Ambien include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle and joint pain, and double or blurry vision.
The medication can also cause memory problems and grogginess during the day.
More serious and rare side effects may include hallucinations, “abnormal thinking and behavior,” and a potential increased risk of dementia in older adults.
Former President Biden’s debate against Donald Trump in 2024 opened the floodgates to criticisms over his mental acuity. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images | Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“By itself, zolpidem can cause a higher risk for falls, altered behavior, and oversedation. If combined with other substances, the risks are even higher,” a source stated.
“Zolpidem can cause daytime sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and slowed brain activity, especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or tricyclic antidepressants.”
“Studies have suggested that even short-term use of Ambien may cause delirium and confusion.”
It is advised that individuals aged 65 and older “use extra care” when taking the drug due to an increased risk of falling.
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst, noted that Ambien can lead to confusion, hallucinations, or out-of-body experiences, particularly in older adults.
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst, cautioned that Ambien can cause confusion, hallucinations, or out-of-body experiences. (iStock)
However, Siegel emphasized the need for verification regarding the use of Ambien by Biden, as the drug’s effects should have worn off by the time of the debate if taken the night before. Taking it right before the debate would be medically unsound.
Dr. Michaela Robbins, a board-certified nurse practitioner, suggested that Ambien could contribute to Biden’s alleged confusion, especially in older individuals.
It is recommended that people 65 and older “use extra care” after taking the drug, as it can cause an increased risk of falling. (iStock)
Studies indicate that even short-term use of Ambien can lead to delirium and confusion, with long-term use potentially increasing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, especially in older adults.
Robbins highlighted the dangers of prescribing Ambien to older individuals, especially when combined with other medications.
“For someone Biden’s age, medication-induced confusion is common, especially with sedatives.”
Individuals prescribed Ambien should undergo a thorough medical assessment and discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
Robbins recommended exploring alternative interventions with fewer health risks and less mental impairment for insomnia treatment.
Fox News Digital sought comments from Joe Biden’s representatives and Cosette Pharmaceuticals, the current manufacturer of Ambien.
