Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?
You certainly aren’t alone.
Between 50 and 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or sleep apnea. These conditions make it difficult to get quality sleep at night, leading to other problems like trouble functioning at work or in school. To get these symptoms under control, some people take prescription sleep aids like Ambien.
In 2023, nearly 6 million Americans over the age of 12 misused prescription sedatives like Ambien. While Ambien is generally considered safe when used as prescribed for a short time, the risks increase the longer you take the medication. Some people may also use this medication for its pleasurable effects, which can lead to misuse and tolerance.
If you or a loved one is having a hard time stopping Ambien, don’t assume you have to go through withdrawal alone. There are safe, effective ways to gradually taper off Ambien so that your symptoms are better managed and you’re kept more comfortable. Let’s learn more about Ambien withdrawals, how they present themselves, and the options you have for detox and ongoing treatment.
What Is Ambien Withdrawal?
Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic medication commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. It works by slowing down brain activity to help individuals fall asleep more easily. However, when you take Ambien in higher doses or for longer periods, it is possible to become dependent. If you try to stop using the medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, which are a set of psychological and physiological responses that occur when you don’t have the substance in your body.
So why does Ambien withdrawal happen? When you take Ambien for some time, your brain adjusts to having this medication in its system, relying on it to regulate sleep patterns. This dependence can develop even if you use the medication as prescribed. When you suddenly stop or reduce the medication, your brain may struggle to reestablish normal functioning, leading to a wide range of withdrawal symptoms.
The risk of Ambien withdrawal is higher for individuals who:
- Take Ambien regularly for more than two weeks
- Use higher doses than prescribed
- Have a history of substance use
- Misuse Ambien for recreational purposes
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Ambien withdrawal symptoms arise because your brain has become dependent on Ambien to regulate sleep and calmness. Common symptoms associated with Ambien withdrawal are:
- Rebound insomnia. Rebound insomnia refers to the return of worse-than-before sleeping difficulties when Ambien is discontinued. This is one of the most common and early withdrawal symptoms, often appearing 1-2 days from the last dose.
- Anxiety and panic attacks. Without Ambien’s sedative effects, you may experience heightened anxiety or panic attacks. Symptoms may include restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and a sense of impending doom.
- Depression. Some people experience depressive symptoms during withdrawal, including sadness, hopelessness, or low motivation.
- Intense cravings. A person may experience strong cravings for Ambien, especially if they’ve used the substance for an extended period of time to manage insomnia or anxiety.
- Mood swings and irritability. Individuals in withdrawal may become easily frustrated, shifting between sadness, agitation, and anger. Depression can also surface during withdrawal.
- Fatigue and weakness. Disrupted sleep and withdrawal-related stress can leave you feeling tired, physically weak, and unable to concentrate.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms. Some individuals experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort during withdrawal. These symptoms are the result of a hyperactive nervous system.
- Sweating and tremors. Due to the central nervous system becoming activated, excessive sweating, tremors, or shaking hands are also common.
- Heart palpitations. The lack of sedative effect from Ambien can cause the heart to race leading to palpitations or a heightened sense of awareness of the heartbeat.
Ambien Withdrawal Timeline
The withdrawal timeline for Ambien varies depending on the length of use, dosage, and individual factors like metabolism, age, and overall health. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically involve both physiological and psychological effects, including rebound insomnia and anxiety.
The Early Withdrawal Phase is the first stage of Ambien withdrawal, and it typically occurs around 24-48 hours from the last dose. Sleep problems tend to return, often worse than before taking Ambien. This can be unsettling, but it does get better. Anxiety and restlessness, fatigue, mood swings, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating are all common during this time. How much and how long you used Ambien impacts the intensity of these symptoms.
In 3-7 days from the last dose, the Peak Withdrawal Phase occurs. Withdrawal symptoms are typically most intense during this time and include severe insomnia, gastrointestinal symptoms, heightened anxiety and panic attacks, and low mood. A lot of change is happening on the inside, including a disruption in neurotransmitter balance. The Post Acute Phase is the 1-2 week period after the last dose and when you should see your physical symptoms improve and sleep patterns normalize. However, the continuation of psychological symptoms may remain, including anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
PAWS or extended withdrawal can start 2 weeks after your last dose and persist for weeks or months. Your brain is recalibrating and returning to normal during this time, but it’s common for psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cravings to continue. This prolonged withdrawal period can be exhausting, but symptoms can be managed by tracking your triggers, relieving stress, and taking care of your basic needs.
Medications Used to Treat Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Ambien withdrawals can be challenging, which is why medical professionals often recommend certain medications to ease symptoms and make you more comfortable. The goal of these medications is to help you manage anxiety, promote better sleep, and ease withdrawal symptoms. Below are some of the most common medications used in Ambien withdrawal.
Benzodiazepines (Short-Term Use Only)
Medications like Ativan, Valium, or Klonopin may be prescribed short-term to reduce anxiety, panic, and insomnia. These medications work by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. However, benzos carry a risk of dependence, which is why they are typically used short-term only.
Clonidine and Gabapentin (Reduce Hyperactivity)
Clonidine is a blood pressure medication that can reduce nervous system hyperactivity, which often occurs during withdrawal. It can also help manage sweating, tremors, anxiety, and restlessness. Gabapentin is commonly used to treat nerve pain and seizures, but it can also be beneficial in managing anxiety, irritability, and insomnia during withdrawal. It works by calming overactive nerves that can become hyperactive after stopping Ambien.
Sleep Aids
There are various medications that may be used to combat rebound insomnia after discontinuing Ambien. For example, melatonin is a natural sleep hormone that can help regulate the body’s internal clock and promote better sleep. It can be purchased over-the-counter and is generally well-tolerated. Trazodone is an antidepressant that can help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep. Antihistamines and herbal supplements may also provide temporary relief from insomnia.
Anti-Nausea Medications
Medications like Zofran and Phenergan can help manage nausea and vomiting associated with withdrawal, helping you feel more comfortable and hydrated during withdrawal.
Antidepressants
When anxiety and depression persist beyond the acute withdrawal phase, an antidepressant may be prescribed. SSRIs and SNRIs are both antidepressants, but they work in different ways. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, while SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
Ambien Detox and Treatment in Prescott, AZ
Ambien detox is the process of safely removing the substance from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Detox can be done through tapering the dosage or under medical supervision to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. It involves monitoring by healthcare providers, medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and support to prevent return to use during the detox phase.
Ongoing treatment for Ambien addiction is necessary after detox to help individuals maintain recovery and develop healthy habits. Treatment plans may include therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Some of the most effective therapies for Ambien use are cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups and counseling, medications for anxiety and depression, and relapse prevention strategies. These strategies may include sleep hygiene, exercise and nutrition, and stress management.
If you or a loved one has become dependent on Ambien, you don’t have to attempt withdrawal on your own. In fact, this can lead to more complications. Wolf Creek Recovery can help you overcome this issue while also developing sleep hygiene. Aside from individual and group therapy sessions, we also encourage our clients to get outdoors and develop healthy hobbies like biking, hiking, and team sports. These activities support an active lifestyle that promotes better sleep at night and protects you from future substance use. To learn more about our intensive outpatient services and how they can help you, contact us today at 833-732-8202.
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FAQs About Ambien Withdrawal
What is Ambien withdrawal?
Ambien withdrawal occurs when you stop or reduce your dosage of Ambien after becoming dependent on the substance. Individuals who use Ambien for a longer time or in higher doses are more likely to become dependent, but this can still happen to those who take the medication legitimately.
What are the most common symptoms that occur with Ambien withdrawal?
The most common symptoms associated with Ambien withdrawal are worsening sleep problems, anxiety, depression, cravings, mood swings, nausea and vomiting, sweating, tremors, and heart palpitations.
What is rebound insomnia?
Rebound insomnia is when a person experiences worse sleep difficulties than before starting a sleep aid like Ambien after discontinuing their dose. This condition is typically temporary and improves over time.
Are there medications to treat Ambien withdrawal?
Yes, there are a number of medications available to treat Ambien withdrawal, including antidepressants, anti-nausea medications, sleep aids, benzodiazepines, and medications that reduce central nervous system hyperactivity.
