Your Guide to Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien has been a boon for people suffering from insomnia. Since its approval by the FDA as a short-term treatment in 2005, more than 10 million Ambien prescriptions have been dispensed.

Although it was touted as a non-habit forming alternative to benzodiazepines, misuse can still lead to dependence, addiction, and withdrawal after long-term use or overuse.

 

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for a sleep-inducing drug called zolpidem tartrate. This drug is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance and non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that works by binding to the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptors in the brain.

The portion of these receptors that is identified as a benzodiazepine site helps regulate sleep patterns in the human brain. Ambien and similar drugs only bind to non-benzodiazepine receptors, unlike other hypnotic/sedative drugs that bind to the omega 1-3 subtypes of the GABA-A receptors. When a substance is able to interact with GABA-A, it produces a sedative effect that helps you fall asleep.

The relatively low half-life of Ambien and similar zolpidem-based sedatives and its inability to bind with benzo receptors, makes this a safer, less habit-forming alternative to other prescriptions used to treat insomnia. A 5 mg dosage will be reduced by half in the bloodstream after just 2.5 hours.

Ambien is available in two formulations. Regular strength Ambien is available in 5 or 10 milligram dosages. It helps you fall asleep pretty quickly and is used to treat insomnia over the short term. However, it doesn’t help people remain sleeping, which led to some pretty interesting side effects after zolpidem’s higher strength U.S. release in 1993.

In order to avoid issues like sleep-driving, the standard dosage was lowered, and another formulation called Ambien CR was developed. The CR stands for a “controlled release” formulation, which creates the core of the tablet. The slow-release tablets have an outer coating that acts quickly to induce sleep, and the inner portion of the tablet releases zolpidem into the system slowly over time to keep you sleeping.

Is Ambien Addictive?

Brands of sleep aids that contain zolpidem are considered relatively safe compared to benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax. However, some studies found that the abuse is possible because of the mild euphoric effect that occurs when the drug is released into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier. This side effect is not present with traditional, benzo-based sedatives.

Because it’s a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, Ambien should never be mixed with other depressants, such as alcohol and other sedatives.

Ambien isn’t necessarily addictive, but it is possible for the substance to become habit-forming when taken in excess or over a long period of time. This is why it’s indicated for use in treating mild, short-term insomnia for a period of seven to 10 days. Outside of that timeframe, additional help should be sought in order to address the root cause of sleeplessness.

Dependence on Ambien, whether physical or psychological, will lead to withdrawal symptoms if you misuse your prescription or take it for long periods of time.

Symptoms of Ambien dependency include:
• Anxiety and depression over thoughts of not obtaining medication or quitting
• Drug cravings
• Mood swings
• Irritability, especially when the drug isn’t available or you’re questioned about usage
• Preoccupation with your medication, such as counting pills or anticipating your next dosage
• Cognitive issues, such as inability to concentrate or make decisions
• Denial that there’s a problem

Taking the drug for longer than a few weeks can also cause you to build up a tolerance to Ambien. This means that it will no longer works as intended. Some people try to solve this issue by doubling their dosages. Taking the drug for longer than recommended, using it recreationally, or otherwise misusing Ambien can transform dependence into addiction.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

Ambien withdrawal symptoms usually develop after stopping the medication abruptly. They can also develop when the dosage is increased rapidly in order to experience a high or when the normal dose is no longer effective. Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological.

Within two to six hours after taking your last dose, you may experience symptoms like:
• Anxiety
• Hand tremors
• Insomnia
• Rapid heartbeat and respiration
• Excessive sweating

Within 48 hours after your last dose, you might also experience symptoms such as:
• Stomach cramps
• Uncontrollable crying jags
• Nervousness
• Panic attacks
• Facial flushing

With severe Ambien withdrawal, hallucinations, delirium, and seizures are possible.

Ambien Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within six to eight hours after your last dose, but they will hit a peak about 48 hours after last use. The withdrawal period can last for up to two weeks, but most symptoms are relatively mild by the end of the first week.

Factors that influence the length and severity of the withdrawal phase include:
• Length of use
• Severity of use
• Dosage
• Age
• Presence of concurrent health or mental health conditions

The good news is that with detox and treatment for Ambien addiction you’ll be well on your way to escaping its influence in no time.

Ambien Detox and Treatment

As with many forms of drug dependence, medically supervised detox can help alleviate any symptoms and make the detox period more comfortable. During the detox period, which usually lasts from 12-48 hours, it’s beneficial to arrange a stay at an inpatient facility.

Medications Used for Ambien Detox

The purpose of medical detox is to keep the client as pain-free and comfortable as possible during the initial detox period. This is the time when you’re most in danger of relapse and when complications can set in if there are concurrent medical or mental health issues. With severe Ambien misuse, there is also a danger of panic attacks, seizures, and delirium.

This form of detox differs from medically assisted treatment (MAT), which uses a course of FDA-approved medications to manage the more severe withdrawal symptoms from opioids and alcohol dependence. Medically supervised detox is simply meant to stabilize your condition and help you remain calm and comfortable until the drugs leave your system.

Care providers will dispense any medications necessary to deal with pain, anxiety, and other issues. You may also receive an IV solution to provide you with hydration and vitamins or supplements to help regain your strength.

It’s important that you take this phase of recovery in a facility for at least the first 24 hours. The detox period can last much longer if you do it as an outpatient. The danger of relapse or a medical situation is also higher if you try to detox on your own or outside of a safe, secure environment with medical staff nearby.

After the initial detox and evaluation, you and your care provider will decide whether you can continue treatment as an outpatient or you would benefit more from inpatient care.

That decision will depend upon the length and severity of your substance misuse, the presence of other health or mental health concerns, and the stability of your home life. Some people are unable to stay at a rehab facility because of work, school, or family obligations.

Treatment for addiction to Ambien can involve any or all of the following options. A multi-pronged approach will provide the best odds for a successful recovery.

Outpatient Treatment

This is a day program that allows the client to attend therapy sessions and other programs during the day and then return to their home or a sober living facility at night. The rehabilitation programs run for about six hours per day and include:
• Group and individual counseling
• Drug education
• Mental health services
• Supplementary programs, like art therapy

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient care will require temporary residence at an approved drug rehabilitation center. These facilities offer a home-like atmosphere, scheduled meals and activities, and medical supervision during your recovery. However, outside contact is limited so that you can focus on recovery except for family visitation days.

Programs are mostly the same as you would receive at an outpatient facility, but they’re provided in a more isolated, supportive environment in the company of others who are dealing with many of the same issues.

Therapy

Whether you choose an inpatient or an outpatient facility, a large part of your recovery will involve therapy. Individual counseling allows you to work one-on-one with a trained drug counselor who can help you identify the root cause of addiction and work through any other family or mental health issues. You’ll also use cognitive behavior therapy so you can learn tools and techniques to help you avoid relapse.

Group sessions allow you to get feedback and support from peers who are also in recovery. It’s a chance to hear from others about their struggles with substance misuse and how they cope with stress and other triggers.

Involvement in a 12-step program, which is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, is a common form of group therapy that’s very helpful for people in recovery. This kind of support is beneficial at any stage of recovery, and many of those who participate continue to attend meetings for years after their initial stays in rehab.

One component of 12-step programs is the presence of a sponsor. This is usually an individual who is well into their recovery and who offers personal support and encouragement as you face life after addiction.

Aftercare Support

In addition to 12-step programs and continued health and mental health services, ongoing aftercare will involve medical maintenance, if needed, as well as continued education and other services that are necessary for long-term recovery.

Most clients will attend aftercare programs as outpatients once they’ve completed their rehabilitation or as part of a sober living program.

Sober living environments provide drug and alcohol-free transitional housing for those who are in danger of relapse because of long-term or severe substance use issues, experiencing housing or job instability, or are in need of additional guidance and support.

The recovery experience is unique for everyone. It’s the first step in a lifelong journey that’s filled with milestones and celebrations but also temptation. That’s why the best course of action is to get as much support and guidance as possible for as long as you need help.

Help Is Available When You’re Ready

The keys to ending dependence on any drug are the determination to turn your life around and the support of the people around you. You can add to that network of support by getting assistance with withdrawal and recovery from a team of professionals.

Most communities offer drug rehabilitation services through their public mental health system, and you’ll usually find several private rehabilitation facilities in your area. Talk to your doctor or reach out to a rehab center near you today and find the support you need during your recovery.