What is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for the generic drug zolpidem, a sedative and hypnotic drug taken as a sleep aid. Ambien affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and, as a result, cause sleep problems or a condition known as insomnia. Ambien is meant to be used as a short-term treatment for insomnia. It causes helps a person relax so they can fall asleep and stay asleep.

Side Effects

Ambien and Ambien CR are known for a range of side effects from simple to dangerous. Some people taking this medication have engaged in activities they were completely unaware of at the time and have no recollection of when the drug effects have worn off. Making phone calls, preparing and cooking meals, eating, and driving, all while unaware of performing the activity, are all common side effects.

Additional side effects include impairment of thinking and reaction times. People should be careful what activities they perform until they know how Ambien will affect them during their waking hours. Any activity requiring a person to be awake and alert, such as operating machinery, piloting an airplane, or even driving, should be performed only if the person taking Ambien is positive they are not still under the influence of the drug.

Ambien’s side effects can be heightened if a person consumes alcohol while taking the drug. The medication can be habit-forming or addictive, so a person taking Ambien should do so according to the strict guidelines set by the manufacturer of Ambien or their doctor. A doctor’s guidelines should be followed when Ambien CR is prescribed. A doctor needs to know if a patient has a history of drug abuse or addiction before prescribing Ambien CR as a sleep aid.

Addictive Tendencies

Ambien or Ambien CR should only be used short-term, usually two weeks at most, but many doctors recommend only a few days. Abuse of the drug happens when more than the recommended dose is taken for a few weeks. After a short time, a tolerance to the medication builds up causing the person to need more of the drug in order to get the desired effect. The effects are also intensified if Ambien is taken with other drugs or alcohol. Abusers take the drug orally and have been known to crush and snort it, or cook it to administer by intravenous injection.

Ambien and Ambien CR have become extremely popular as recreational drugs of choice. When users fight the urge to sleep from the effects of the drug, they get a high and even euphoric feeling rather than feeling sedated. Auditory and visual distortions including hallucinations have also been reported.

Treatment

As with any other drug if taken for an extended amount of time, dependency can occur. Some signs of addiction to Ambien are nausea, stomach cramps, fatigue, sweating, insomnia, panic attacks, and irritability. If a patient feels they cannot stop taking the medication on their own, they should contact their doctor or a qualified health care professional. Being addicted to Ambien is a serious problem and requires professional help. If addiction is severe, a doctor may feel a rehabilitation center is the best course of action for a full recovery.

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