When taken as directed by a physician, Ambien can be a helpful medication for those suffering from insomnia. But if you take it for long periods of time or in higher doses than recommended, you may become physically dependent. Ambien withdrawal can cause severe physical and symptoms and dangerous side effects, so you should never just stop taking the drug or try to detox on your own. A medically supervised Ambien detox program provides a safe, effective way for you to stop taking Ambien and start living a healthier, more fulfilling life.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate, a sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat people who suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. Zolpidem and other similar drugs are used as an alternative to sedatives such as benzodiazepines or Barbiturates. It is prescribed , usually between two and six weeks, and in combination with other therapies.
How Does Ambien Work?
If you suffer from insomnia, you may experience racing thoughts or the inability to relax. Ambien calms down the activity in your brain so you can fall asleep. It does this by increasing a neurotransmitter called GABA that inhibits certain kinds of brain activity and reduces your nervous system’s response to stimulation. When used as directed, Ambien can help you fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep longer, and get more restful sleep.
How Long Does Ambien Stay in Your System?
When taken as directed, Ambien is a quick-acting drug, meaning it doesn’t stay in your system for an extended period of time. The initial effects of the drug will last just a few hours. Ambien will show up in a urine or blood test for 24 to 48 hours after your last dose. If you take more than the recommended dose or take it more frequently than prescribed, you can develop a tolerance for the drug and become physically dependent on it. Withdrawal symptoms may start as soon as 6 hours after your last dose.
Long Term Side Effects of Ambien
When you take Ambien as directed – as a short-term treatment for insomnia – you may experience headaches, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and a general groggy feeling. Ambien can also cause digestive issues, muscle pain, and problems with motor coordination. The likelihood and severity of these side effects increase if you abuse Ambien by taking it longer than directed by your doctor, taking higher doses than prescribed, or taking it with alcohol or other drugs.
Taking Ambien can also cause side effects that are very serious. Some people have reported having no memory of their actions while on the drug. People also report doing activities while asleep that when done while awake are safe, such as cooking and driving, but when done while asleep are extremely dangerous to you and those around you. Ambien abuse can also cause depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Is Ambien Addictive?
When zolpidem was discovered, researchers and doctors thought it wasn’t likely to create physical dependency, but that is not the case. Studies have shown that you can develop a tolerance for Ambien in as little as two weeks. Developing a tolerance to Ambien means that your body needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Once this happens, your regular dose of Ambien may no longer help you get to sleep, which leads some people to take the drug for longer or at higher doses than recommended. This increases the likelihood that you’ll become physically dependent on Ambien.
Signs of Ambien Addiction
If you’ve tried to cut down on your Ambien use and can’t, you may have Ambien use disorder. Other signs that you’re addicted include choosing to use Ambien rather than participate in other activities.
Can You Overdose on Ambien?
It is possible to overdose on Ambien. Overdoses usually happen when someone takes a higher dose of Ambien than directed. Taking Ambien with other drugs or alcohol greatly increases your risk of overdosing. Ambien slows down brain activity, so signs of Ambien overdose can include extreme drowsiness, changes in heart rate, difficulty breathing, and even slipping into a coma.
If you suspect that you or someone you love has taken an overdose of Ambien, call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Never try to induce vomiting in someone who has an overdose on Ambien. Doing so can cause the airway to become obstructed and make it more difficult to breathe. Medical professionals typically treat an Ambien overdose by pumping the affected person’s stomach and closely monitoring their breathing and heart function.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Ambien withdrawal symptoms are both physical and psychological and can be quite serious, distressing, and uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms can be more severe if you’ve used a very high dose for a long time or if you have other physical or mental health conditions. Age can also be a factor – older adults may experience more severe symptoms. Depending on your situation and level of addiction, 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
Should I Detox on My Own?
You should never attempt Ambien detox alone. If you suddenly stop taking Ambien, you may experience dangerous symptoms such as seizures, delirium, and abnormally high blood pressure. With the potential for such serious side effects, Ambien detox should only be done in a medically supervised program under the supervision of a qualified and experienced care team.
Help with Ambien Detox
An Ambien detox facility can help you recover in a safe, medically supervised environment. Depending on how much Ambien you’ve been using and for how long, medical professionals will create a plan to taper off your Ambien use so that you gradually use less and less of the drug until you are no longer taking it. Your care team will also give you medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and make you more comfortable. If you are currently taking Ambien with alcohol or other drugs, your withdrawal symptoms may be more severe or last longer. It’s very important to be honest with your care team about how much Ambien you’ve been taking and if you’re taking it with alcohol or other drugs. Having this information will help your care team create the best detox plan for you.
How Long Does Ambien Detox Last?
Detox is a very individual process, so your detox timeline depends on the circumstances of your Ambien use and if you’re using it with other drugs. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin in the first 72 hours of an Ambien detox. Symptoms tend to be worse between the third and fifth day of your detox program. After a week, physical symptoms usually subside. If you have only been abusing Ambien for a short time, your detox symptoms will typically subside after three weeks. But if you’ve been abusing Ambien for a long period of time, withdrawal symptoms may last several weeks.
What to Expect at an Ambien Detox Center
Detox is your first step on the road to recovery and the first step in your treatment plan. When you arrive and are admitted to the Ambien rehab center you choose, a team of addiction specialists will take you through an assessment to evaluate the severity of your addiction, discuss any other health issues you may have, and tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs. During detox, facility staff will monitor and care for you as your body adjusts to a lack of Ambien. Once you’ve successfully completed detox, you’ll move on to the next phase of your treatment journey.
What Happens After Ambien Detox?
Once you’ve completed Ambien detox, your care team will help you create an aftercare plan that will provide you with the continued support you need to maintain your sobriety. Ambien rehab is a highly individual experience, so your aftercare program will be tailored to your individual situation, needs, and concerns. Most aftercare plans include counseling, education, medical and mental health treatment, and peer support groups.
Ambien Detox in The Brentwood Springs Family Facilities
If you or someone you love is struggling with Ambien use disorder, we can help. Asking for help is a sign of strength and the first step towards recovery. The Brentwood Springs Detox Family offers compassionate, medically supervised Ambien detox as well as a comprehensive aftercare program to give you the support you need as you heal and create your new path. Call us any time day or night at (615) 695-1668 to get started living a life free from Ambien. You don’t have to do this alone – we’re here to help you every step of the way.
