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Medically Reviewed

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

- 9 sections

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer:

Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Millions of people in the United States struggle with sleep issues, including insomnia. Some people take prescription medications to help them get the sleep they need.

Ambien is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep medications in the country. This medication can be effective at helping people fall asleep, but it also has the potential for abuse and addiction. If people become addicted to Ambien, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. These withdrawal symptoms can make it very challenging for people to avoid relapse.

This article will explore Ambien withdrawal.

What you will learn:

  • How Ambien abuse and addiction occur
  • Common Ambien withdrawal symptoms
  • What to expect throughout the Ambien withdrawal timeline
  • How long Ambien withdrawal may last
  • Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with Ambien abuse or addiction, help is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Contact our intake specialists to explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule appointments.

What is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for a drug called zolpidem. It is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia. This medication can help users fall asleep quicker, but it is not intended to help people remain asleep.

Ambien (zolpidem) has the potential for abuse, which may lead to physical dependence. Taking Ambien while using other central nervous system (CNS) depressants may increase the risk of abuse or other complications. Doctors often limit the length of Ambien use to reduce the risk of abuse or addiction.

Understanding Ambien Abuse and Addiction

Ambien is a Schedule IV drug, meaning that it has a relatively low risk for abuse and physical dependence. However, people who take higher doses of Ambien than prescribed may be at increased risk of developing addiction.

Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic prescription sleep aid. People may misuse Ambien because of its sedative and calming effects. Some users may like the way they feel.

Others may abuse Ambien because they have developed a tolerance for it. Tolerance occurs when the body adjusts to a dose of the drug. People with tolerance need higher doses to get the desired effects.

Ambien tolerance can happen quickly. Research shows that people can develop tolerance to Ambien after taking it nightly for more than two weeks. Many medical professionals limit Ambien prescriptions to short-term use, which can prevent people from developing tolerance.

It is important to watch for signs of Ambien abuse. Ambien misuse includes:

  • Taking high doses of Ambien (more than prescribed)
  • Using Ambien for longer periods than prescribed
  • Taking Ambien more often than prescribed
  • Using Ambien differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting tablets

People who abuse Ambien may run out of their prescriptions early or get anxious about how to get more. People who abuse Ambien or develop physical dependence typically require treatment to safely stop taking it.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

People who suddenly stop taking Ambien (known as quitting “cold turkey”) may experience symptoms of withdrawal. They may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Rebound insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Mood swings
  • Nervousness
  • Fatigue
  • Panic attacks
  • Lightheadedness
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors in the hands
  • Excessive sweating
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Delirium
  • Stomach cramps
  • Faster breathing

In rare cases, people may develop seizures during withdrawal from Ambien.

Ambien withdrawal symptoms can make it very challenging for people to stop this drug or to prevent relapse. People with Ambien withdrawal require medically supervised detox programs and ongoing treatment to prevent relapse.

The Ambien Withdrawal Timeline

Ambien withdrawal can be challenging. Knowing what to expect can help you remain committed throughout the detox process.

Here is an overview of the Ambien withdrawal timeline.

First 6 to 8 hours

Ambien has a short half-life (the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half of a substance in its system). People typically experience symptoms of Ambien withdrawal within the first 6 to 8 hours after their last dose.

1 to 5 days

Symptoms peak between the first and fifth day of the detox process. Withdrawal symptoms can make people very uncomfortable. The support of a medically-assisted detox program can help people manage symptoms and avoid relapse. A detox treatment program may include:

  • Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
  • Emotional and mental health support
  • A supportive, secure environment
  • Holistic therapies like exercise, mindfulness, education, nutrition support, and more

Comprehensive support throughout detox can help people stay on track in the earliest days of recovery.

7 to 14 days

Most people experience a gradual decrease in symptoms over the next one to two weeks.

How Long Does Ambien Withdrawal Last?

Ambien withdrawal typically begins within just hours of a person’s last dose and may last for up to two weeks. Several factors can affect how long Ambien withdrawal symptoms last, including:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Length and severity of their substance abuse
  • Dose of Ambien
  • Other substances used at the same time
  • Co-occurring mental health or medical conditions

Ambien withdrawal can be challenging, but getting the right support during detox and beyond can help you manage your symptoms and stay focused on recovery.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggle with Ambien abuse or addiction, treatment is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Reach out to our intake team now to explore our treatment and recovery programs. You may also contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ambien
  2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Zolpidem: Efficacy and Side Effects for Insomnia
  3. NIH: Abrupt Withdrawal From Chronic High-Dose Zolpidem Use: A Case Report of Resulting Delirium
  4. NIH: Zolpidem dependence, abuse and withdrawal: A case report

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