expiration dates

Is medicine still good after the expiration date? I know it's not half as potent if its old, but would you still notice some of the original effects? I found an old bottle of ambien in my closet, but it expired in April of 2003. Sorry if this is a stupid question, I know it probably is. But I'm just curious. I have no access to anything new, and those over the counter sleep aides aren't even worth the money. I've tried them, they don't work at all.
I suppose when I'm lying awake at three am, staring at the ceiling and trying to ward off all my depressive thoughts, I could just take a handful and see what happens, right?

The medicine should be just as good as before it "expired." Medicines with expired dates are commonly used in other countries... we just have some extra standard - probably not too useful, either. Maybe if it were, like, 10 years old, but not from last year, it should be as potent as it was a year ago. Definately take as directed, don't try taking extra to make sure it works, the normal dosage should work fine.

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I'm glad the medicine is still good. Maybe now I can get some sleep!

Medicine when it expires usually just means that it wont work as good as it would when it was 'fresh' Sometimes they are saying now to throw out all medication that is expired, I cannot remember why not , but I know it does loose it's affectivness when you reach the expiry date, doesn't mean it wont work, but not as well.

I'd likely not take the ambien, it might still work, but maybe just not to the full potential that it use to. If you really are concerned just call up your pharmacist and ask him or her, they'll be able to give you an answer right away.

If you are wanted to take it, I wouldn't only because if you haven't been on it in along time it's proabably a bad Idea, since only your doc can perscribe it.

<font color=red>~Sundance~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

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its not the experation date that matters here, the important question is do you have a current prescription for ambien, if not, you hsouldnt' take it. If you need to take it, or need a sleep aid, call your dr, they might even suggest yo ucan in fact use the "expired" pills. Also consider you are probably on different other meds than yo uwere a year ago and there could be possible new interactions, please contact your dr.

"don't kick the puppy" ~ j.e.p.