Ambien: Drug and Detox Information

Ambien, the brand name of zolpidem, is a non-narcotic sleep aid meant for short-term treatment. The sedative is also considered a hypnotic and comes in 5 mg and 10 mg dosages. Ambien is also available in a controlled-release pill. Ambien’s hypnotic effects are similar to drugs in the benzodiazepine family such as Xanax and Klonopin, though they are molecularly different. Ambien affects brain chemicals that become unbalanced and lead to insomnia. Many people have reported strange behaviors while taking Ambien. News reports in the last few years recount the stories of people who have taken Ambien and engage in binge eating, driving or having conversations they barely remember. Many users report some degree of short-term memory impairment after taking it. Ambien does have the potential to be habit-forming so users should follow dosing instructions carefully.

Warnings on Ambien Use

Ambien can cause allergic reaction, characterized by hives, difficult breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Patients experiencing any of these signs should contact a doctor immediately. Ambien should not be taken during waking hours unless users have a full seven or eight hours to sleep. Ambien can impair thinking and reaction time so users should avoid tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Taking alcohol with Ambien is discouraged because it can increase the side effects, most noticeably drowsiness. Elderly patients may experience stronger sedative effects and are more prone to falls and accidents. Ambien can be harmful to unborn babies so pregnant women should talk to their doctors before taking it. It has the potential to pass into breast milk. Children under 18 are not supposed to use Ambien and the manufacturer warns against buying Ambien over the internet. There have been reports of Ambien containing the potent antipsychotic drug haloperidol (Haldol) in supplies bought online.

Ambien Side Effects

Side effects can include short-term memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, altered thought patterns, euphoria or dysphoria, increased appetite, decreased libido, impaired judgment or reasoning, poor motor coordination, loss of inhibition, impulsivity and a recurrence of insomnia when dosing is stopped.  Feeling groggy the morning after taking Ambien is also commonly reported. Other effects can include depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, agitation and confusion. If you awake before the drug’s effects have worn off, it is possible you will experience some level of forgetfulness.

Possible Interactions with Other Drugs

If you are using other medicines that can make you drowsy, such as cold remedies, muscle relaxants, or prescriptions for pain, anxiety or depression, you may need a lower dose of Ambien. Everyone prescribed Ambien should discuss with a doctor all other medications they are taking because of possible interactions. This also includes herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals and prescriptions from other doctors.

Get Help with Ambien Addiction Now

Call us today to discuss how the Waismann Method can free you from your Ambien dependency and get your life back.

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