Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms: Timeline and Treatment

Ambien withdrawal symptoms occur when a person discontinues the medication after prolonged use. Symptoms can vary in severity, particularly for individuals with a history of addiction or co-occurring disorders. To minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, it’s crucial to use Ambien as prescribed and to stop taking it only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Abrupt cessation can result in serious complications and long-term harm.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a prescription medication belonging to the sedative-hypnotic class of drugs.[2] It is the brand name for the drug zolpidem, which is prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia. This medication slows down the central nervous system, allowing individuals with insomnia to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Due to its habit-forming nature, Ambien is only intended for short-term usage.[3]

What Are the Side Effects of Ambien?

People under the influence of Ambien can experience several side effects related to a depressed central nervous system.[4] These side effects make it impossible to drive or engage in other activities that require mental alertness.

Ambien side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Brain fog
• Impaired motor skills
• Nausea
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Trouble balancing
• Pain, tingling, numbness in the arms or legs
• Nightmares
• Bizarre dreams
• Ringing in the ears
• Joint pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

Individuals who are allergic to Ambien can experience severe side effects that should be treated right away. They include, but are not limited to:

• Rash
• Swelling
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Throat swelling
• Voice changes
• Shortness of breath
• Pounding heartbeat
• Fast heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Double Vision

Why Does Ambien Have a Black Box Warning?

The FDA mandates that medications with serious health risks and potentially life-threatening side effects display a black box warning on their labels.[5] Ambien includes a black box warning for complex sleep behaviors because it can cause unusual sleep actions, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving.[6] These behaviors can result in significant injuries or even death.

How Long Does Ambien Stay in Your System?

According to Drugs.com, Ambien’s elimination half-life is two hours.[7] It will take five to six half-lives, or approximately 10 to 12 hours, to be eliminated from the system completely. However, this is only an estimate. The duration may vary based on dosage and individual metabolism.

Is Ambien Addictive?

Ambien is listed as a federally controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and misuse.[8] It is not recommended for use in individuals who have had a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. Using Ambien in a way other than prescribed can lead to dependence and addiction. Long-term use of Ambien is dangerous and can increase the risk of injury and death.

People who are addicted to Ambien may display the following signs:

• Tolerance: Experiencing intense cravings for Ambien and requiring higher doses to “feel” anything.
• Manipulation: Lying, stealing, or doctor shopping to obtain more of the drug.
• Withdrawal: Experiencing unpleasant symptoms immediately after discontinuing use.
• Risk-taking: Continuing to abuse Ambien despite adverse effects.

What Happens When You Suddenly Stop Using Ambien?

When you suddenly stop taking Ambien, you might experience rebound insomnia, along with increased agitation, nervousness, and daytime fatigue.[9] These symptoms are more likely to occur in individuals who have used Ambien for a long time or at high doses. To minimize the risk of withdrawal, individuals who have taken Ambien long-term or at high doses should gradually reduce their medication instead of stopping cold turkey.

What Is Ambien Withdrawal?

Ambien decreases activity in the central nervous system to temporarily change how your brain responds to stimuli. When it is no longer present, you may experience overstimulation as the brain struggles to readjust to its default state. At the same time, there’s a decrease in the brain’s reward centers and an increase in stress neurotransmitters, leading to psychological withdrawal symptoms like agitation, mood swings, and anxiety.[10]

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal?

Ambien withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity, with seizures being rare and typically associated with high-dose, long-term use, or co-occurring substance abuse. Individuals with psychiatric conditions are at a higher risk of developing and having withdrawal symptoms.

The most common Ambien withdrawal symptoms include:[4]

• Digestive issues
• Fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Rebound insomnia
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Mood swings
• Panic attacks
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Tremors

Is Ambien Withdrawal Dangerous?

According to the National Library of Medicine, prolonged high-dose use of Ambien can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium and seizures, when stopped suddenly.[11] However, these complications are more likely to occur in individuals who abuse Ambien or use it alongside other substances like gabapentin, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. This makes it particularly dangerous for individuals with alcohol addiction or a substance use disorder.

How Long Does Ambien Withdrawal Last?

Ambien withdrawal can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks after the last dose, depending on how the individual metabolizes the drug.[12] However, re-initiating use to avoid withdrawal symptoms can increase this timeline.

Is Ambien Withdrawal Treatable?

Withdrawal symptoms from Ambien may resolve without treatment for mild cases, but moderate to severe symptoms often require medical management. However, individuals at risk for serious complications may require medical detoxification to ensure a safe withdrawal process. Others might benefit from a tapering dose to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. In general, withdrawal symptoms are temporary, although some complications can be long-lasting.

What Is the Ambien Withdrawal Treatment Timeline?

The timeline for Ambien withdrawal treatment varies. However, tapered doses are expected weekly. Using this schedule may take several weeks to a few months to fully wean off Ambien.

Most people can recover from rebound insomnia and minor withdrawal symptoms with time. While melatonin or other sleep aids may be helpful, their effectiveness should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Intensive treatment at a drug abuse treatment facility may be necessary to overcome withdrawal and reduce the risk of Ambien overdose in cases of Ambien misuse.

Finding Treatment for Ambien Withdrawal

Individuals who have an addiction to Ambien may stay at an inpatient drug rehab center to help with withdrawal. Ambien detox programs may provide varying levels of care, ranging from outpatient support to inpatient supervision, depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

They may also participate in therapy sessions and group activities to decrease their risk of relapsing or abusing other substances. Programs vary in length depending on the individual’s needs and can last five to 30 days.[13] To reach their recovery goals, some people continue addiction treatment on an outpatient basis.

If you or a loved one need help overcoming Ambien addiction, contact Southeast Detox, GA.

We have helped hundreds of people successfully recover from prescription drug addiction and go on to lead rewarding lives. We offer evidence-based programs like medically supervised detox, cognitive behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs to help you meet your recovery goals.

Don’t let the thought of Ambien withdrawal fuel your addiction — reach out today to learn how we can help.