To make sure Ambien is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: 1  kidney disease; 2  liver disease; 3  lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); 4  sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep); 5  myasthenia gravis; 6  a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or.