Ambien Side Effects: The Risks of Prescription Sleep Aids

You toss and turn all night, unable to fall asleep. Exhausted, you finally drift off as the morning sun peeks through the curtains. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Over 50 million Americans suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. Desperate for rest, many turn to prescription sleep aids like Ambien. But before popping that pill, know the risks. Ambien can cause dangerous side effects. Learn about:

The dangers of addiction and dependence
Increased risk of falls and injuries
Potential for severe allergic reactions
Strange sleep behaviors like sleepwalking

At Evoke Wellness, we offer prescription drug addiction treatment, depression treatment programs, EMDR therapy, trauma therapy and a specialized veterans program to support your journey to better sleep and mental health.

Make informed choices about your health. Understand the side effects before taking prescription sleep aids.

If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at San Marcos invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. At Evoke Wellness, you will find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833) 503-0734 today or reach out online.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic medication prescribed to treat insomnia. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

How It Works

Ambien binds to GABA receptors in the brain to enhance sleepiness.
It reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and total wake time.
Effects kick in around 30 minutes after taking the pill.

Brand vs Generic

While the brand name is Ambien, the generic name is zolpidem. Both contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective sleep aids.

Prescription Required

Ambien is a controlled substance that requires a valid prescription from a doctor. Misuse can lead to dependence and addiction.

Side Effects of Ambien

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Prolonged drowsiness the next day

More Serious Risks

Ambien can potentially cause sleep-related behaviors like sleep-walking, sleep-eating or sleep-driving. These complex sleep behaviors can occur without the person being fully awake or aware.

Ambien also has a risk of dependence and addiction, especially with long-term use. Withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and flushing can occur if stopped abruptly.

Precautions

Use Ambien only as prescribed and discuss all risks with your doctor, especially if you have a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, addiction or lung disease. Avoid alcohol when taking Ambien as it can dangerously increase sedation.

Short-Term Side Effects of Ambien Abuse

Impaired Coordination

You may experience dizziness, loss of balance, and difficulty with coordination when abusing Ambien. Walking or performing physical tasks can become extremely difficult and dangerous.

Cognitive Impairment

Ambien abuse can lead to confusion, disorientation, and impaired concentration. You may have trouble focusing, experience memory lapses, and engage in bizarre behaviors without recollection.

Slurred Speech

A common side effect is slurred or incoherent speech patterns. Your ability to communicate clearly is compromised, making interactions challenging.

Drowsiness

Excessive drowsiness and fatigue are hallmark effects of Ambien misuse. You’ll likely feel extremely tired and struggle to stay awake, even after sleeping.

The effects above illustrate how Ambien abuse disrupts normal brain functions, risking accidents, injuries and impaired decision-making. Seek professional help from Evoke Wellness for prescription drug addiction treatment to overcome dependence safely.

Long-Term Side Effects of Ambien Abuse

Cognitive Impairments

If you abuse Ambien over an extended period, you may experience disturbing cognitive side effects. These can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion or delirium.

Ambien may cause anterograde amnesia – inability to form new memories.
Long-term abuse has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dependence and Addiction

Ambien has a high potential for dependence and addiction, especially with long-term misuse. When dependent, you may experience insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and seizures if you suddenly stop taking it.

Other Risks

Seeking professional addiction treatment is crucial to overcome an Ambien dependence safely. Evoke Wellness offers comprehensive programs, including prescription drug addiction treatment, to help you regain your health.

Dangers and Risks of Ambien Overdose

Ambien Overdose Symptoms

An Ambien overdose can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, slow reflexes, slowed or stopped breathing.

Risk of Ambien Dependence

Long-term Ambien use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Stopping abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, panic attacks.

Mixing With Other Depressants

Combining Ambien with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioids greatly increases the risk of overdose, respiratory depression and death.

The risks highlight the importance of only using Ambien as prescribed and under medical supervision. If you or a loved one struggles with Ambien misuse, seek professional treatment immediately from Evoke Wellness’ prescription drug addiction program.

Finding Help for Ambien Addiction

You don’t have to struggle with Ambien addiction alone. Evoke Wellness offers comprehensive treatment programs to help you overcome dependence on sleep medications like Ambien.

Professional Addiction Treatment

Medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal safely
Behavioral therapy to build coping skills
Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR
Holistic therapy for lasting recovery

Mental Health Support

Treatment for co-occurring disorders like depression
Group therapy and peer support networks
Family therapy program to repair relationships

With the right professional care, you can break free from Ambien addiction and reclaim your quality of life. Reach out to Evoke Wellness today to start your healing journey.

Ambien Side Effects FAQ

What are common side effects?

Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination
Problems with memory or concentration
Stomach pain, nausea, constipation
Dry mouth, headache, muscle aches

How long do they last?

Side effects typically go away once the drug fully exits your system, within 1-2 days after your last dose. However, some effects like drowsiness or dizziness may persist for several days.

Are there serious risks?

Yes, serious side effects are possible like abnormal thoughts/behavior, allergic reactions, or complex sleep behaviors like sleep-walking or sleep-driving. Get medical help right away if you experience these.

Who is at higher risk?

Those over 65, with a history of depression, lung disease, or substance abuse are at higher risk for severe Ambien side effects. Use caution and consult your doctor.

Conclusion

While Ambien can be an effective short-term treatment for insomnia, it comes with serious risks. As you’ve learned, potential side effects like sleepwalking, sleep driving, depression and even suicide demonstrate the dangers of this powerful medication. If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription sleep aid addiction or dependence, know that there is hope. With personalized care from addiction and mental health experts, recovery is possible. Treatment programs provide medical supervision, therapy for underlying issues and healthy coping strategies. You deserve restful sleep free of risky medications. Take the first step by seeking professional help – a peaceful night’s sleep is within reach.