What Is Ambien Addiction?
Ambien is a widely prescribed medication for managing insomnia, a condition that impacts a significant portion of the population. From 1993 to 2015, insomnia diagnoses in the United States surged from 800,000 to 9.4 million cases. While Ambien is frequently used to address this sleep disorder, it is also linked to serious side effects that can pose significant risks.
The active ingredient in Ambien is zolpidem. Classified by the FDA as a Schedule IV substance, Ambien carries a potential for dependence and addiction. It is intended for short-term use to help individuals establish regular sleep patterns. Unfortunately, many people find themselves unable to achieve restful sleep without relying on this medication.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien is part of a group of medications known as Z-drugs. These drugs are categorized as sedative-hypnotics, which means they help induce calmness and facilitate sleep by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain.
Ambien comes in various forms to address different sleep issues. For instance, some formulations assist individuals in falling asleep, while others help prevent waking up during the night or waking up too early in the morning.
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Ambien Dosage
Ambien is available in immediate-release tablets of 5 mg and 10 mg, which are effective in helping users fall asleep. Additionally, Zolpimist, an oral spray version of Ambien, delivers 5 mg per spray to aid in sleep initiation. The recommended maximum dose for either form is 10 mg per night. For extended sleep support, Ambien also comes in controlled-release tablets of 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg, which gradually release the medication into the body.
For those who experience middle-of-the-night awakenings, a sublingual formulation (SL) is available. This version dissolves under the tongue and comes in doses of 1.75 mg for women and 3.5 mg for men, helping to maintain uninterrupted sleep.
What Does Ambien Look Like?
Ambien tablets vary in appearance based on dosage and formulation:
- Ambien 5 mg: Pink, capsule-shaped tablet with “AMB 5” imprinted.
- Ambien 10 mg: White, capsule-shaped tablet with “AMB 10” on one side and “5421” on the other.
- Ambien CR 6.25 mg: Pink, round tablet marked with “A ~”.
- Ambien CR 12.5 mg: Blue, round tablet with “A ~” imprint.
- Zolpidem SL 1.75 mg: White, round tablet with “NT” on one side and “124” on the other.
- Zolpidem SL 3.5 mg: White, round tablet labeled with “P & 350”.
Ambien Side Effects
Ambien can cause rare but severe side effects such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and engaging in activities while asleep. These dangerous behaviors can result in falls, injuries, and even fatalities. Due to these risks, the FDA issued a significant warning in 2019 to raise public awareness about these potential dangers.
Common side effects of Ambien include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Coordination difficulties
- Uncontrolled tremors
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
Next-Day Side Effects of Ambien
Healthcare providers advise using the lowest effective Ambien dose to minimize next-day side effects. Elevated blood levels of the drug can persist into the morning, causing lingering effects even after waking up. These next-day side effects may include:
- Reduced mental alertness
- Continued drowsiness
- Impaired ability to operate vehicles
Long-Term Side Effects of Ambien
Prolonged use of Ambien is associated with several long-term side effects, such as:
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Tolerance and dependence
- Memory impairment
- Increased risk of cancer
Ambien Side Effects in the Elderly
Elderly individuals are more susceptible to Ambien’s effects, prompting the FDA to recommend the lowest possible effective dose. For example, those over 65 should not exceed 5 mg of immediate-release Ambien. Older adults are at a higher risk for motor and cognitive impairments, making the potential for falls and confusion a significant concern. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting an increased risk of dementia in older adults who use Ambien.
How Long for Ambien to Kick In?
Both immediate-release and controlled-release Ambien forms reach peak blood concentration within approximately 1.5 hours, meaning users can begin to feel its effects about 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Sublingual zolpidem reaches peak levels between 35 and 75 minutes, acting faster than tablets that require digestion before taking effect. The Zolpimist oral spray can produce effects as quickly as 15 minutes after use. The onset of Ambien’s effects can be influenced by factors such as gender, age, and existing health conditions.
How Long Does Ambien Last?
The duration of Ambien’s effects varies depending on the specific formulation:
- Zolpimist and Sublingual Zolpidem: Provide sedation for approximately four hours.
- Ambien CR: Features a dual-layered tablet that releases the drug immediately and then slowly, extending its effects to over six hours.
Concurrent use of alcohol, opioids, or other substances can intensify and prolong Ambien’s effects. Additionally, individual factors like gender, age, and health conditions also play a role in how long Ambien remains active in the system.
Ambien Half-Life
The half-life of Ambien, the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body, varies slightly between formulations:
- Immediate-Release and Controlled-Release Ambien: 1.4 to 3.8 hours
- Sublingual Ambien: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Zolpimist: About 2.7 hours
How Long Does Ambien Stay in Your System?
Generally, it takes around five half-lives for Ambien to be fully cleared from the body. This means:
- Immediate-Release or Controlled-Release Ambien: Eliminated within 7 to 19 hours
- Sublingual or Oral Spray Ambien: Removed in approximately 12.5 hours
Ambien is most commonly detected through urine tests, where it can be identified for up to 72 hours. Blood tests can detect Ambien for up to 48 hours, while hair tests can reveal its presence for several months after the last dose.
Is Ambien Addictive?
Ambien is a popular treatment for insomnia, ranking as the 28th most prescribed medication in 2021. However, as a controlled substance, it carries a significant risk for addiction and misuse. Long-term use of Ambien can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same sedative effects. Individuals with a history of addiction or those who frequently use alcohol or other drugs are particularly vulnerable to developing an addiction to Ambien.
Can You Overdose on Ambien?
Overdosing on Ambien is possible, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol or opioids. Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Inability to concentrate
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slow and labored breathing
- Reduced heart rate
- Coma
If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can stabilize symptoms, and medications like Flumazenil may be administered to counteract the effects of a significant Ambien overdose.
Ambien Withdrawal
Abruptly stopping Ambien or reducing the dosage too quickly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which are more intense for those taking higher doses or combining Ambien with other substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 48 hours of discontinuing the drug and may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Lightheadedness
- Abdominal pain
- Panic attacks
- Nervousness
- Seizures (rare)
After seven days, additional symptoms such as anxiety and depression may emerge. Without proper management, these symptoms can persist for six to eight weeks. It is essential for individuals experiencing withdrawal to seek professional medical support or enter a licensed rehabilitation facility.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Within 48 Hours:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Lightheadedness
- Abdominal pain
- Panic attacks
- Nervousness
- Seizures (rare)
After Seven Days:
- Anxiety
- Depression
If not treated, these symptoms can continue for several weeks. Medical supervision is crucial to alleviate discomfort and prevent severe complications during withdrawal.
How To Stop Taking Ambien
The initial step in discontinuing Ambien is to gradually reduce the dosage over several weeks. This process should be supervised by a healthcare professional or a reputable rehabilitation center to ensure safety. The Recovery Village Salem provides a comprehensive and supportive environment for individuals ready to discontinue Ambien or other substances.
Ambien Detox Treatment
Detoxification involves the body slowly eliminating Ambien, but withdrawal symptoms can make this process challenging without assistance. The Recovery Village Salem offers a medically supervised detox program designed to make the transition as comfortable as possible. Our team of healthcare professionals addresses physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that may arise during withdrawal.
Ambien Addiction Treatment
Insomnia is a common disorder affecting an increasing number of people nationwide. Ambien is frequently prescribed to manage this condition but is intended only for short-term use. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which may result in addiction and withdrawal, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances. The Recovery Village Salem is a trusted rehabilitation center offering inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment for Ambien addiction. Contact us today to get started on the admissions process.
