Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat acute insomnia. People using this drug to sleep can become addicted to it if they use it long-term. Other people can develop an addiction when they misuse this medication. There are also long-term effects of Ambien that people should know before taking it.
How Does Ambien Work? An Overview
Ambien works by increasing the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity to promote drowsiness and relaxation. Ambien works within 30 minutes of taking it, and its effects last between 7 and 8 hours. When taken as directed, Ambien helps improve the overall quality of sleep. However, when Ambien is misused, people can experience intense pleasure and euphoria, which can lead to addiction.
Short-term vs. Long-term Effects of Ambien
Ambien use has both short-term and long-term effects people need to know. The short-term effects include reduced anxiety, sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination. The long-term effects involve increased tolerance to the drug, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, cognitive impairment, and Ambien addiction.
Common Side Effects of Long-term Ambien Use
Long-term use of Ambien can cause a range of side effects, starting with increased tolerance. As the body adjusts to the drug, it may feel like it is no longer working. This can lead to self-medicating and taking higher doses of Ambien to achieve the desired effects.
Increased tolerance also goes hand-in-hand with dependence. As tolerance builds, so does the body’s dependence on the drug to help one sleep. Dependence also grows from increased doses to achieve the desired effects when misused.
Can you get addicted to Ambien if you are dependent on it? Yes, continued use or misuse can eventually lead to addiction. Other common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vivid dreams
- Memory and cognitive impairments
- Dizziness
- Parasomnia
Some people can become aggressive, agitated, irritable, and experience hallucinations. People can also experience withdrawal symptoms once the effects wear off, such as carvings, rebound insomnia, and daytime sleepiness.
Cognitive Impairments Linked to Prolonged Ambien Use
People taking Ambien long-term can experience various cognitive impairments. Confusion, short attention spans, memory problems, impaired problem-solving, and cognitive decline are common. Long-term use has also been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Impact of Ambien on Mental Health Over Time
Long-term Ambien use can have impacts on mental health the longer it is used. People can develop depression and anxiety as a side effect of Ambien dependence and addiction. People can also experience a decline in their cognitive abilities. Some people experience lowered inhibitions, where they engage in risky behaviors or make impulsive decisions. Additionally, some people experience delirium and an increased frequency of hallucinations.
Physical Health Risks Associated with Long-term Ambien Use
One of the physical health risks associated with long-term Amisue use is developing gastrointestinal problems, GERD, and bleeding. Prolonged use lowers the immune system response and increases the risk of illnesses. Some people can also experience liver damage. The drug could cause respiratory depression and heart failure.
Ambien Dependence and Withdrawal Symptoms
Someone who is dependent on or addicted to Ambien will experience withdrawal symptoms when the effects wear off, including:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Increased sweating
- Panic attacks
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Stomach and gastrointestinal cramping
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Crying for no reason
- Mood swings and irritability
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
Alternatives to Ambien for Managing Insomnia
There is a wide range of alternatives to Ambien to help manage insomnia. Holistic therapies can be highly beneficial, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and regular exercise. It is equally important to eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of Omega-3s. Some people find melatonin supplements, and sipping chamomile tea before bedtime also helps.
Individual therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people uncover underlying issues that could be contributing to their insomnia. Other FDA-approved medications could also be used short-term in place of Ambien.
When to Seek Help: Signs of Ambien Addiction
When someone notices these signs of Ambien addiction, it is time to seek help, including:
- Increased tolerance and self-medicating: Taking higher doses than prescribed to experience the desired effects
- Compulsive use: Having to take Ambien just to function, even during the day
- Doctor shopping: Attempting to get multiple Ambien prescriptions from different doctors
- Looking forward to using: Finding pleasure in being able to take Ambien
- Isolation: Withdrawing from family and friends
- Reduced inhibitions: Talkativeness, uninhibited socialization, engaging in risky behaviors, and hypersexual behavior.
- Blackouts: Inability to recall events and memory loss and engaging in sleep activities like sleepwalking, driving, having sex, shopping, or eating
- Mixing Ambien with other substances: Taking Ambien with alcohol or other sedatives to attempt to enhance the effects
- Using Ambien differently than prescribed: Crushing and snorting Ambien or liquefying the drug and injecting it
Safeguard Your Health from Long-term Effects of Ambien
When you have concerns about the long-term effects of Abmien and is Ambien addictive, take steps to safeguard your health. If you are not currently taking this medication, consider an alternative option to deal with insomnia.
If you are already on Ambien and are dependent or addicted to it, get help from Ohio Addiction Recovery Center. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive and personalized Ambien detox and addiction treatment. Contact us today for further information and to start medically supervised Ambien detox.
