About Ambien Addiction
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic prescription drug that is often used to help treat insomnia in patients on a short-term basis. The basic functionality of Ambien is very similar to benzodiazepine drugs, although it is a completely separate chemical compound. As indicated, Ambien works to calm and depress brain activity which will cause individuals to feel very relaxed and tired. Because it binds to the same brain receptors as benzodiazepines, the sedation effect is very comparable, but without the side effects. Ambien addiction can occur when individuals transition from prescribed use to Ambien abuse.
Ambien carries fewer side effects than all other benzodiazepines which make it easier to take. It also works without affecting the body’s natural sleep cycles, meaning that deep sleep and REM sleep are present while using the drug. Ambien does give patients a feeling of escape and relaxation that can cause them to take more and more to continue feeling this way. Very quickly this can contribute to the growing prescription drug addiction epidemic the nation is experiencing.
Individuals prescribed this sleep medication are able to make the transition from a wakeful state to deep sleep very quickly. There do not seem to be many issues with waking up the next morning, in fact, most report feeling fully refreshed and ready to start their day. Popular for people who lead stressful, busy lives, the drug has been proven to add to the quality of life. For others, the drug becomes necessary for any sleep and contributes to Ambien abuse.
Sold under the brand name Ambien, the drugs chemical name is zolpidem tartrate. There are several different formulations that contain Ambien. Some of these include the following:
Zolpimist – A oral spray used in the mouth and over the tongue
Edluar – a sublingual tablet taken immediately before bedtime
Intermezzo – a sublingual tablet available in varying doses
Ambien Addiction Treatment
Ambien Addiction Symptoms
- Bloodshot eyes
- Headaches in the morning
- Loose stool
- Coordination changes
- Heartburn
- Joint and muscle pain
- General weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Shaking and tremors
Ambien Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Cravings for Ambien
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal cramps or discomfort
- Uncontrolled crying or depression
- Delirium
- Flushing
- Panic attacks
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Rebound insomnia
- Seizures (rare)
Ambien Abuse
For many prescribed Ambien to treat insomnia, drug compliance is never an issue. When used as prescribed, there should be few, if any, uncomfortable side effects that are severe enough to warrant medical attention. The drug has been proven to provide essential sleep aid for many using it. Occasionally, individuals will report negative reactions to Ambien use. There have been cases where the drug failed to provide sleep-inducing effects.
These individuals may become desperate and begin to abuse Ambien on a regular basis trying to find rest. Ambien has also been reported to cause some to feel euphoric and give them additional ability to sort through otherwise stressful situations at work and home. They may continue to increase their dosing, thinking they need more to find it’s sedative effects. Not surprisingly, adverse reactions to Ambien can be contributing factors to developing Ambien addiction that requires inpatient drug detox for sleep medications in Huntington Beach, CA.