Known by its generic name, zolpidem, Ambien is a prescription drug that is frequently used to treat sleeplessness. Although it works well in the short term, patients and healthcare providers need to be aware of the risks involved in long-term use.

This article explores the possible long-term effects of using Ambien, hoping to give readers who are thinking about using the drug or are already using it for extended periods a thorough rundown.

What is Ambien?

At its core, Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic medication designed to combat insomnia. Its magic lies in its ability to slow down brain activity, paving the way for sleep. It works by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes sleep. Ambien is typically prescribed for short-term use, ideally not extending beyond a few weeks. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

However, life isn’t always textbook perfect. Some individuals find themselves tethered to Ambien for months or even years, either due to the persistence of their sleep issues or a developed reliance on the medication.

This transition from a temporary solution to a long-term companion is where the risks begin to intensify, setting the stage for a discussion on the potential implications for one’s health.

Here Are 10 Top Risks of Long-Term Use of Ambien

Dependency and Addiction

Ambien is a medicine that is prescribed to treat insomnia; prolonged use of the drug can cause dependency and addiction. When the body grows used to a drug’s presence and needs it to function properly, dependency develops.

Psychological dependence is a component of addiction, where people have an obsessive need to use Ambien even when doing so has negative effects. This may make it harder to cut back or quit using drugs without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Tolerance Development

Long-term Ambien use may cause the body to become less sensitive to the drug’s effects due to tolerance. Because of this, people might require larger Ambien dosages to have the same sleep-inducing effect.

The emergence of tolerance raises the possibility of negative consequences and can be a factor in the cycle of increasing dosage and dependence.

Withdrawal Symptoms

After a prolonged period of use, quitting Ambien may cause withdrawal symptoms as the user’s body gets used to not having the drug. 

Rebound insomnia, or the worsening of sleeplessness, anxiety, restlessness, sweating, trembling, and, in extreme situations, seizures are some of these symptoms. To safely manage symptoms, withdrawal from Ambien should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Cognitive Impairment

Long-term Ambien use has been linked to cognitive impairment, which can impact mental functions like concentration, memory, and judgment. This may show up as disorientation, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and poor judgment.

Cognitive impairment can cause problems in both the personal and professional domains by affecting daily functioning and quality of life.

Increased Accident Risk

Ambien increases the risk of accidents by impairing motor skills, coordination, and reaction times due to its calming effects. Ambien users may be more likely to trip, fall, and experience other accidents, especially when doing tasks that call for alertness, like operating machinery or driving.

When alcohol or other central nervous system depressants are combined with Ambien, the risk increases.

Mood Changes

Depression, irritability, and mood swings have all been related to long-term Ambien use.

These mood swings can have a detrimental effect on one’s interpersonal relationships and mental health.

Those who take Ambien and notice changes in their mood should talk to a healthcare professional about it, as they might need to modify their treatment plan.

Take the first step towards recovery. Reach out to our compassionate team today and start your journey to a life free from addiction.

Respiratory Issues

In rare cases, Ambien can cause respiratory depression, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by slow or shallow breathing. This risk is increased when Ambien is combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol, opioids, or certain medications. 

Respiratory depression requires immediate medical attention and may necessitate intervention to support breathing.

Sleepwalking and Other Parasomnias

The use of Ambien has been linked to sleep-related abnormalities, parasomnias, and experiences. Sleepwalking, eating, talking, and even driving while unconscious are some examples of these behaviors. 

Unconscious parasomnias can happen to anyone and can endanger their own and other people’s safety. 

People taking Ambien who experience parasomnias must get medical attention and think about other options.

Hormonal Imbalance

In certain people, prolonged use of Ambien can throw off their hormonal balance. Menstrual irregularities, changes in libido, and problems with fertility can all be signs of this. 

Hormone imbalances can affect mood regulation, reproduction, and general well-being, among other physical and mental health aspects. 

For assessment and treatment, people taking Ambien who experience symptoms related to their hormones should speak with a healthcare professional.

Increased Risk of Falls and Fractures

Ambien’s sedative effects can make falls more likely, especially in older adults. Falls can cause serious injuries such as fractures and head trauma, which can impair one’s mobility, independence, and quality of life. 

People who take Ambien, especially older ones, should take extra care to prevent falls. Some of these measures include making sure that their sleeping environment is safe and avoiding activities that require balance and coordination right after taking the medication.

What Are Some Side Effects of Ambien (Zolpidem)?

The side effects of Ambien (zolpidem) can vary from common, less severe reactions to rare but serious ones. Here’s a comprehensive look at the potential side effects users might experience as per NLM (National Library of Medicine):

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness: Users often feel sleepy or drowsy, especially shortly after taking the medication.
• Dizziness: Feelings of unsteadiness or lightheadedness are common, particularly when getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches while taking Ambien.
• Nausea: This can occur with or without accompanying vomiting.
• Drugged Feeling: Users might feel as though they are in a fog or less alert than usual.
• Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea can occur.

Less Common Side Effects:

• Muscle Weakness: Users may feel a lack of strength in their muscles.
• Loss of Coordination: This can make tasks that require physical coordination more challenging.
• Euphoria: Some individuals might experience feelings of extreme happiness.
• Memory Loss: There can be instances of temporary memory loss, particularly for events that happen after taking the medication (anterograde amnesia).
• Attention Disruption: Difficulty concentrating or paying attention is possible.

Rare and Serious Side Effects:

• Complex Sleep Behaviors: Engaging in activities while not fully awake, like sleep-driving, eating, or walking, which the person may not remember later.
• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms can include swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, or hives.
• Hallucinations, Confusion, or Agitation: Some users may experience these more severe neurological effects.
• Depression or Suicidal Thoughts: In rare cases, users might experience new or worsening depression, including thoughts of self-harm.
• Abnormal Thoughts and Behavior: Some people may exhibit aggressive or out-of-character behavior.

Ambien Addiction Treatment in Golden Road Recovery

You must get treatment if you or someone you love is addicted to Ambien. At Golden Road Recovery, being the best sedative addiction treatment in Los Angeles, our specialty is assisting people in recovering control over their lives and overcoming substance abuse. 

Our all-encompassing treatment plans tackle the root causes of Ambien addiction and offer individualized care to assist each person on their path to recovery.

Our team of skilled experts, which consists of medical personnel, therapists, and counselors, is committed to helping you at every stage of the healing process. 

We, being addiction treatment in Los Angeles, provide a variety of research-proven treatments to address the psychological and emotional components of addiction, such as group therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Conclusion

For those concerned about the long-term risks of Ambien, exploring alternative treatments for insomnia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle modifications, or other medications, might be beneficial. 

Concluding, while Ambien is an effective short-term treatment for insomnia, its long-term use comes with significant risks that require careful consideration and management.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery from Ambien addiction, contact Golden Road Recovery today. 

Our compassionate team is here to help you reclaim your health, happiness, and independence.

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