Some adolescents are misusing the prescription sleep medication Ambien, which they say causes hallucinations and blackouts, WCCO reported Dec. 13.

Students said the drug is known on college campuses by names like "A-minus" and "Zombie pills," and that use seems to be increasing. Users can use Ambien recreationally by resisting the urge to sleep -- directly contrary to prescription labels for the drug.

"We're hearing about this, we're seeing a rise," said DEA agent Steve Robertson. "That is a concern." The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) adds that adolescent misuse of sedatives has nearly doubled in recent years.

Experts say misusing drugs like Ambien could be dangerous or even fatal, especially if combined with alcohol. Date rape is another concern for young Ambien users who may black out after taking the drug.