Why Does The Drug Ambien (sleep Aide) Make You Eat?

Yes, it will make you eat. My sister was on it and gained a ton of weight

I have had this problem at times.  Finding cereal boxes in my room, or even chocolate smeared  all over my sheets and gown!  I think part of the problem is that it causes sleepwalking, and maybe we just automatically go to the kitchen!

I have this same problem. I will often find empty food containers in the trash and wake up feeling full. I have apparently driven across the street to buy beer as well. I did some research and found that link between food and sleep in our brains is closely related, and in normal cases, when asleep, the brain releases a chemical to reduce hunger in order to prolong sleep but Ambien will often cross these wires. Especially in those who watch carefully what they eat during the day and may often go to bed hungry. Such as myself. I am becoming desperate because I have run out of options and am unsure what to do from here.

It's doing it to me too, since being on it a month I have gained 5lbs and I'm trying to lose weight not gain it, My Husband said I had finished off the Fruit trifle Pudding dish last night and half half a bag of cookies, Geesshhh, I can't remember doing any of it, Now I know why the stupid scale will not move, Think I will come off of this med, I need to lose 30 lbs and at this rate I will not get it done. I guess I'm sleeping ?

I too have had this problem! I take ambien as well, and yes, I have gained weight... I have found food in my bed, beside my bed and dishes in the sink... (it's really scarey when you wake up and find you cleaned your bathroom in the middle of the night.) is this medicine really getting us rest? I am waiting to hear what all the responses are.... Thanks oldfart for asking this.

It is a common side effect. I had a friend who used  to wake up and find she had been eating food out of the fridge and was not even aware of it. Another side effect is sleep walking!