Ambien is a medication used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. When taken as directed, it helps users fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. But when it’s misused, individuals can become physically dependent on Ambien. Withdrawal from the drug can be uncomfortable and dangerous, so detox should only be done under medical supervision. Brentwood Springs Detox provides a comfortable, safe environment for Ambien detox in Nashville, TN.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate. It is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia for patients who have difficulty falling asleep. Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic drug classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Ambien works by increasing the effect of a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA slows down activity in the brain, calms racing thoughts, and enables relaxation.
Because it is a Schedule IV drug, Ambien can only be prescribed by physicians and providers who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances. When taken as prescribed, it is safe for individuals suffering from insomnia. But when taken in larger doses or for longer than recommended by a physician, users can develop a tolerance to and become physically dependent on Ambien.
Detoxing from Ambien can cause uncomfortable and dangerous side effects, so users should never attempt to detox on their own. Brentwood Springs Detox provides secure and effective Ambien detox in Nashville, TN. Our program provides medically supervised detox to help individuals slowly stop using Ambien and safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Ambien detox can also cause psychological and emotional side effects, so our detox program includes counseling and support services.
How Is Ambien Prescribed?
Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem. Tablets are prescribed as generic drugs and under the brand names Ambien, Edluar, and Intermezzo. Zolpidem oral spray is sold under the brand name Zolpimist. When taken as directed, these drugs work by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows activity in the brain and central nervous system. This creates a calming effect which allows users to relax and fall asleep more quickly.
Ambien comes in two different formulations: Ambien and Ambien CR. Ambien was designed to treat individuals who have trouble falling asleep. Ambien CR was designed to treat individuals who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Zolpidem is the active ingredient in both medications.
Ambien should only be taken as directed by a physician. It is only meant for short-term use, typically between two days and two weeks. The appropriate dose strength will be determined by a physician.
Ambien Safety
The intended use of Ambien (zolpidem) is as a short-term sedative, typically prescribed for no longer than a few weeks. When Ambien is taken at higher doses or for a longer period of time than prescribed, the body can develop a tolerance and physical dependence on the drug. Detox should never be attempted alone as withdrawal side effects can be severe. Additionally, Ambien can cause negative memories and other psychological side effects, so users should report unusual thoughts to their healthcare provider right away.
Ambien Side Effects:
Common Ambien side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dizziness and feeling lightheaded
- Headache
- Abdominal and digestive discomfort
- Nausea
- Gas and heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Strange dreams
- Muscle aches
Serious Ambien side effects can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, face, or throat
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision
- No memory of activities performed while taking the drug
- Performing activities such as cooking and driving while asleep
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Drug Interactions
Zolpidem, the active ingredient in Ambien, has 473 known drug interactions. It also has eight disease interactions and one alcohol/food interaction. Any medication or supplement that increases drowsiness should be avoided while taking Ambien.
Mixing Ambien with opiates or opioids can cause difficulty breathing and extreme sleepiness. It can also increase the risk of overdose and death.
Ambien should never be taken with benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Valium. Combining these medications can result in loss of motor function and respiratory depression, both of which can be life-threatening.
Individuals taking Ambien should always avoid alcohol as it can cause extreme drowsiness, decreased motor function, and slow or shallow breathing.
Before taking Ambien, individuals should talk to their healthcare provider about possible drug interactions.
Risk of Overdose
Ambien depresses activity in the central nervous system, so an overdose can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Taking a higher than prescribed dose of Ambien can cause respiratory depression, loss of motor control, unconsciousness, coma, and death. Individuals taking Ambien should never increase their dose without first consulting their healthcare provider.
Mixing Ambien with alcohol or other sedative medications greatly increases the risk of overdose. Additionally, older adults and women are at greater risk of Ambien overdose. If an Ambien overdose is suspected, emergency medical help should be sought immediately. Treatment for Ambien overdose typically includes stomach pumping and monitoring of vital signs.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Is Ambien addictive? When the drug was developed, scientists thought it was not habit forming. Since then, research has revealed that is not the case. Misuse can cause physical dependence and ceasing Ambien use can cause withdrawal. Ambien withdrawal effects can be distressing and dangerous. Withdrawal causes both physical and psychological symptoms, so detox should only be done in a medically supervised program under the care of qualified professionals. Individuals who have misused Ambien by taking a high dose for an extended period of time may have more severe zolpidem withdrawal symptoms. In addition, older adults and patients with mental health conditions may experience more serious symptoms during detox.
Ambien withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme anxiety
- Mood swings
- Digestive cramping and discomfort
- Elevated heart rate
- Tremors
- Delirium
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Rebound insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin in the first 72 hours of an Ambien detox and peak between the third and fifth day of detox. Most physical symptoms subside after a week. Depending on the details of the individual’s Ambien misuse, complete cessation of withdrawal symptoms may take three to six weeks.
Benefits of Our Ambien Detox in Nashville, TN
With the potential for such dangerous side effects, it’s critical to seek professional help with Ambien detox. Our medically supervised detox program in Nashville, TN provides a safe, medically supervised environment to taper and ultimately stop Ambien use. After an initial intake interview, our Ambien detox program requires clients to stay at our facility, so they have 24-hour access to medical care. Our licensed staff uses medications and other therapies to mitigate the effects of withdrawal, make patients more comfortable, and treat physical and mental health symptoms.
Detox is the first step towards recovery from Ambien use disorder. At Brentwood Springs, once clients have completed detox, we provide them with continued support by tailoring an aftercare program to their specific needs. Aftercare programs typically include counseling, peer support groups, education, and mental health treatment.
How to Find Safe Treatment
Brentwood Springs Detox provides a safe, secure environment where individuals can stop Ambien use under 24-hour medical supervision. We offer specialized services for Ambien addiction such as counseling, medication management, holistic therapies, and aftercare support to help our clients go through the withdrawal process and create the foundation for success in the future.
Contact us any time, day or night, to learn more about our approach to Ambien detox in Nashville, Tennessee.
Your journey toward healing begins today.
Brentwood Springs Detox is a leading drug and alcohol addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one are in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (615) 208-6264 to speak with us.
Benefits of Our Suboxone Detox in Nashville, TN
Substance use disorders can wreak havoc in the lives of addicted individuals and their loved ones. Our Suboxone detox program in Nashville is the first step towards recovery from addiction. Detox allows the individual to stop using Suboxone gradually and safely, providing the foundational clarity and well-being needed to create lasting change.
Trying to quit substance use alone is potentially dangerous and increases the risk of relapse. Professional help from a licensed, experienced detox center can provide the support, safety, guidance, and motivation that individuals need to achieve recovery.
Upon choosing Brentwood Springs Detox as the Suboxone clinic to begin their recovery, clients are initially evaluated by our team of compassionate professionals to establish their individual needs before treatment begins. With this information, we will tailor a treatment program that may include therapeutic programs including counseling and activities that provide holistic healing both during and after detox.
Inpatient detox at Brentwood Springs Detox requires a medically supervised 24-hour stay at our facility. Our addiction specialists closely monitor our patients so they can administer any needed medications, provide physical and mental therapies, and make sure each patient is safe and comfortable.
How to Find Safe Treatment
Brentwood Springs Detox provides a secure environment where individuals can safely withdraw from their addiction to Suboxone. We offer 24-hour medical supervision and specialized services for Suboxone addiction, including counseling, medication management, holistic therapies, and other treatments that help our clients stop using Suboxone safely and comfortably.
Contact us any time, day or night, to learn more about our approach to Suboxone detox in Nashville, Tennessee.
