Ambien? Seriously??

[americanstranger]

I was clicking around the 'nets tonight and found a post on someone else's blog that floored me. The gist is this:

Back in May there was an overlooked revelation that McCain has been using the sleeping pill Ambien on the trail to help him sleep. This is a pill to be taken only if you can get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, meaning if you take it, and there is a 3am phone call, your ass is going to be sleeping through it. Its side effects include amnesia, fugue states (A Fugue state is a state of mind characterized by abandonment of personal identity, along with the memories, personality and other identifying characteristics of individuality), drowsiness, cognitive impairment, reaction impairment, and sleep walking. It also has potential effects on how you feel while awake, in addition to drowsiness, it is suggested that users be careful driving or operating machinery, or doing anything that requires them to be awake and alert until they know how Ambien affects their abilities. Ambien also comes with a warning that "The sedative effects of Ambien may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Ambien." Ambien may also be habit-forming.

God damn it. I realize that Ambien is the drug of choice in DC (I remember posting a story where Colin Powell raved about it), but for a presidential candidate? A 72 year old presidential candidate?? Really??

Not only is McCain not physically fit to become president, but his handlers are even worse. Sending that old man out on the campaign trail while he's shaking off the effects of a drug that could make you literally forget who you are is pretty goddamned irresponsible. No wonder he fucking blanked out in Florida a couple of weeks ago.

http://www.blah3.com/article.php?story=20080818221750273

- as