Since Ambien is a prescription medication, it may be difficult to determine if someone has actually formed an addiction. While the signs are not as clear as in illegal drug addiction, there are certain things one can look for. Ambien addiction is probably most clearly defined by the withdrawal symptoms one experiences if he/she goes too long without it. Other signs of needed Ambien treatment are that more of the drug is being taken than needed, having prescriptions refilled early or consistently because of over use, and having to take higher doses of the Ambien to achieve its initial effects. Essentially this means that a tolerance has developed. If any of these symptoms fit this means abuse of Ambien is taking place or an addiction to it has formed.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person is addicted to a medicine, if the medicine is stopped, the body is not able to function properly and withdrawal symptom can occur. Some Ambien withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Sweating
• Abnormal aggression
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Stomach cramps
• Panic attacks

Dangers of Ambien Addiction

Addiction to Ambien can be deadly. It can enhance suicidal tendencies, and risk of overdose is higher among people with depression. Too much of it can cause excessive drowsiness, even coma. Even at therapeutic dosages, it can cause some people to “sleep-drive” or engage in other complex behaviors while not fully awake, putting themselves and others at risk. Most have no memory of the episode afterward.

In cases where the drug is not deliberately crushed and snorted or abused with alcohol, Ambien dependence generally occurs when it is taken for longer than the recommended time period (10 days), or in greater dosages than recommended (5-10 mg). Users find they cannot go to sleep without it or begin to crave the euphoria brought on as the drug begins to act upon the central nervous system.

When these problems occur, people often feel like they need to stay on their medicines just to prevent these symptoms from occurring again. Usually the symptoms of Ambien withdrawal are not life-threatening but are generally so unpleasant that it is difficult not to give in to the cravings to make them stop. If a user is increasing doses of Ambien or feels like he/she cannot stop the medicine, he/she may need to talk to a healthcare provider. An addiction to Ambien is a serious problem that requires treatment.

Ambien Addiction Treatment

Treatment for Ambien addiction is therefore the province of medical professionals, who can manage the withdrawal and ease the addict off the drug in a manner that does not lead to further abuse. Treatment depends upon the severity of the abuse. Sometimes inpatient care in a detoxification center or another addiction treatment program is required. Supervision by a qualified physician is necessary both to manage physical symptoms and to provide counseling and support for any emotional dependency which has developed. Users should seek help immediately if they encounter difficulties stopping an Ambien regimen.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an Ambien addiction, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5716. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions on Ambien addiction and treatment.

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat

Serious side effects include:

• Depressed mood (thoughts of hurting yourself)
• Unusual thoughts (risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger)
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Feeling restless or agitated
• Hallucinations (confusion, loss of personality or memory)
• Fast pounding heartbeat
• Chest pain

Less serious Ambien side effects may include:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Feeling “drugged” or light-headed
• Lack of coordination
• Amnesia, forgetfulness
• Vivid or abnormal dreams
• Nausea and/or constipation
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Blurred vision

Some of these rare yet possible Ambien side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Amnesia
• Sleepwalking
• Impotence (also known as erectile dysfunction, or ED)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Constipation

Remember that a doctor can prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to an individual is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake (“sleep-driving”). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had intercourse while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous to them or to others. It’s important to notify a medical professional if any of these activities occur. The risk is increased if alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy while taking zolpidem is consumed.

Management of Side Effects

To manage these side effects while you are taking this medicine keep the following things in mind:

• When someone first starts taking Ambien or any other sleep medicine, until he/she knows whether the medicine will still have some carryover effect the next day, they must use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness, such as driving a car, operating machinery or piloting an aircraft.
• Drinking alcohol is prohibited while being treated with Ambien or any sleep medicine. Alcohol can increase the side effects of using sleep aid supplements.
• Do not take any other medicines without asking a healthcare professional first. This includes medicines that can be bought without a prescription. Some medicines can cause drowsiness and are best avoided while taking Ambien CR.
• Always take the exact dose of Ambien prescribed by the healthcare professional. Never change the dose without talking to a healthcare professional first. The tablet must be swallowed whole and not divided crushed or chewed.
• In two clinical studies of patients with insomnia, a rebound effect was only observed on the first night after an abrupt discontinuation of Ambien CR. On the second night, there was no worsening of insomnia.

Ambien Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling with an Ambien addiction, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5716. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions on Ambien addiction and treatment.