Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage symptoms of a medical or mental health condition. It can be dangerous to mix some prescription drugs with other substances, including alcohol. Prescription drugs can have harmful effects when combined with alcohol. Some of these effects can even be life-threatening.

Ambien is a prescription drug that can reduce symptoms of insomnia and help people get better sleep. Doctors may prescribe Ambien to help patients struggling with sleep disorders or other health conditions. Some people may abuse Ambien, which has the potential for complications.

Combining Ambien and alcohol can be very dangerous. This article will provide an overview of the potential danger of mixing Ambien and alcohol.

If you or someone in your life struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive, compassionate treatment is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery.

Reach out to our intake specialist now to explore our treatment programs and schedule an intake appointment.

What is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for a prescription sedative drug called Zolpidem. Doctors may prescribe this hypnotic sedative drug to help patients manage the symptoms of insomnia. Each year, pharmacists in the United States fill about 10 million prescriptions for Ambien.

Ambien’s primary use is to treat insomnia. Insomnia is a sleep disorder. Common symptoms of insomnia include;

•  Struggling to fall asleep at night
•  Waking up frequently at night
•  Waking up too early in the morning
•  Experiencing fatigue in the daytime
•  Higher risk of depression
•  Ongoing anxiety about getting enough sleep
•  Cognitive problems, including difficulty with attention and memory

Mental health experts believe that depression and anxiety may increase the risk for insomnia. Behavioral issues, medical conditions, and other factors may also contribute to insomnia.

Ambien may relieve some of the symptoms of insomnia and allow people to get better sleep. However, Ambien can sometimes cause unwanted short-term side effects. These may include:

•  Dizziness
•  Daytime drowsiness
•  Headache
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Feeling sluggish or groggy during the daytime
•  Poor coordination
•  Diarrhea

People who take Ambien for a long time or those who abuse it are more likely to experience unwanted or dangerous side effects. People who misuse Ambien by taking larger doses or using it for longer than prescribed may develop a physical dependence on it.

Carolina Center for Recovery accepts many major insurance providers, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Ambien Side Effects and Risks

Like all prescription medications, Ambien has the potential for dangerous side effects, including dependence. Some Ambien users experience severe side effects that may include:

•  Depression with suicidal thoughts
•  Nightmares
•  Delayed Reaction times
•  Anxiety
•  Aggression
•  Behavioral changes

One of the most significant risks when taking Ambien is the potential for complex sleep behaviors. Complex sleep behaviors related to Ambien may include cooking, having sex, walking, or driving.

People who perform these behaviors while asleep are not aware of their behaviors. They typically have no memory of these behaviors when they wake up. Complex sleep behaviors related to Ambien use put people at risk of being injured in accidents, harming others, setting fires, drowning, and other life-threatening situations.

Addiction is another significant risk of misusing Ambien. Some people who take Ambien do not experience sedative effects. Instead, Ambien can cause euphoria. People may enjoy this side effect of Ambien and misuse it.

Misusing Ambien puts people at risk of addiction and overdose. Symptoms of an Ambien overdose include:

•  Dangerously slow or shallow breathing
•  Dangerously slow heart rate
•  Loss of consciousness
•  Severe drowsiness
•  Coma

The effects of mixing Ambien and alcohol can be even more severe. Alcohol enhances the effects of the drug, causing respiratory system depression and other life-threatening side effects.

Understanding the Danger of Mixing Ambien and Alcohol

Alcohol is widely available throughout the United States and most American adults report drinking from time to time. Some people develop a problematic relationship with alcohol, including alcohol addiction.

When using Ambien, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol and Ambien are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels. The sedative side effects of mixing alcohol and Ambien can result in a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can result in coma or death without immediate medical intervention.

Mixing alcohol and sleep aids like Ambien can also lead to dangerous disorientation or confusion. People may engage in dangerous behaviors, including drinking more or taking other substances. People who mix Ambien and alcohol may face a higher risk of overdose.

It is critical to stop drinking while taking Ambien to avoid dangerous drug interactions. If you are unable to stop drinking when you choose or you abuse Ambien, you may require addiction treatment. Comprehensive addiction treatment can help you safely stop using addictive substances and learn how to prevent relapse for life.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with Ambien abuse or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is available at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Contact us with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ambien (zolpidem)
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Zolpidem
3. NIH: The acute effects of zolpidem, administered alone and with alcohol, on cognitive and psychomotor function
4. NIH: The abuse potential of zolpidem administered alone and with alcohol