Ambien Addiction, Dependence, and Abuse Potential
Quite recently, Ambien addiction and abuse have been reported as a growing concern according to a 2021 multiple-case review out of Italy.24
Previously, the “Z” drugs, including zolpidem, were considered to present zero risk for dependence or abuse, but research has now demonstrated this is not the case. Problems associated with Ambien and Ambien withdrawal are best handled in a clinical setting where behavioral disturbances or other erratic withdrawal symptoms can be closely monitored for safety.25
Multiple studies out of France showed that Ambien dependence and abuse potential were higher than previously considered.29,30
Ambien Drug Class
Ambien (zolpidem) is a powerful non-benzodiazepine hypnotic sedative.6 Though it is not classed as a benzodiazepine, Ambien is thought to share something of a similar mechanism of action that modulates the release of GABA and targets one specific benzodiazepine receptor.13 Withdrawal after prolonged use should not be abrupt according to the bulk of medical research found, including a study published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.15 The FDA also recommends gradual dose reduction after as little as one or two weeks of use.16 Ambien withdrawal may require milder sedatives to avoid heart palpitations and other possible health complications due to the rebound effects.15 More information on the rebound phenomena associated with Ambien withdrawal recovery can be found below.
Intolerable Ambien Side Effects
A person may take Ambien as a solution to an inability to sleep. However, in short order, the adverse effects may lead to wanting to discontinue the drug. Ambien and Ambien CR act swiftly on the central nervous system to induce sleep by way of its “knockout” effect that induces unconsciousness. Some of the reactions to the drug can result in sleep disturbances, physical discomfort, mental distress, and in some instances bizarre and unpredictable reactions. The “knockout” effect diminishes over time, which can result in a prolongation of sleep deprivation and other negative consequences.1,16
Ambien, and many other drugs, cross the placental barrier and should not be used by nursing mothers.5,16
When using Ambien, all other CNS depressants including alcohol, opioids, antianxiety meds, antipsychotics and similar should be avoided due to their cumulative effects, particularly psychomotor impairments and risk of coma or death.3,13
When Ambien dependence has developed, the simultaneous use of other CNS depressants may create a heightened health risk, due to their cumulative effects if these are combined.
Recommended prescription doses have been lowered, due to new findings concerning the intense and sometimes bizarre side effects of Ambien, such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, etc., especially for women and the elderly. Drugmakers put additional black box warnings on the packaging, concerning the risks associated with taking Ambien.1,2,7,16
Interestingly, if one compares the drug’s adverse effects and Ambien withdrawal symptoms, you will see that a great number of these overlap.
Some of Ambien’s side effects from the FDA drug label 1,16 and elsewhere as indicated:
- Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts — note, the FDA recommends prescribing the least amount possible to prevent intentional suicide.
- Severe anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactic shock, rash, allergy
- Abnormal thinking and behaviors
- Next morning impairment, FDA expresses caution for driving or other activities requiring alertness the next day. 7,13,16
- Rebound Insomnia: Patients get prescribed Ambien most often as a fast-acting sleep aid. After a short time, however, there is a lessening of the “knockout” effect, where the patient may awaken after an hour or two and be unable to fall back asleep.
- Vertigo, increased frequency of falls, injuries, and accidents: Dizziness, a sensation where the room is spinning, a common side effect of Ambien, that can produce an uncomfortable transition to a sleep state. Vertigo can also induce a disturbing waking sensation, which can occur at random times, especially for the extended-release version, which may cause these effects during one’s next workday or while driving or operating machinery.14
- Ataxia, feeling intoxicated, drugged feeling: A condition resembling drunkenness caused by a toxic reaction to medications like Ambien, presents as slurred speech, inability to control voluntary muscles, or an inability to walk without stumbling, difficulty holding or controlling objects in the hand, such as eating utensils, unable to control the body (see DATE RAPE information).
- Tachycardia: Racing heart even though at rest, also heart palpitations, or increased blood pressure.
- Urticaria: Hives, raised itchy welts, and rashes, can impact the airway which can also present as breathing difficulty. If the throat closes the patient must be sent immediately to ER.13
- Headache
- Abdominal disturbances: These are common on Ambien including loss of appetite, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hiccups, acid reflux, and heartburn.
- Urinary tract infections
- Dryness of the vaginal walls is a common side effect for women taking Ambien.
- Flu-like symptoms: These can include sinusitis, throat infections, sore throat, chest pain, respiratory infection, fever, confusion, tinnitus, and fatigue.
- Asthenia: A sudden loss of physical strength or sudden sensation of overall weakness.
- Amnesia: Chunks of time may be missing entirely, or memories may be scrambled and partially obscured for a period of time.
- Drug-Induced sleepwalking, somnambulism: The phenomenon of combined wakefulness and sleep which presents as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, sleep-shopping, sleep-cooking, and so on, which the person will typically have no recollection of.9
- Depression or worsened depression 13
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Body aches: Especially of the neck, back, arthralgia (aching joints), and myalgia (aching muscle or groups of muscles).
- Nightmares
- Respiratory depression
- Hepatic impairment
Is Ambien Withdrawal the Same as Opioid Withdrawal?
Opioids and Ambien may share some characteristics, however, Ambien withdrawal differs from coming off an opioid. While some characteristics of Ambien withdrawal may overlap with those of opioids, the mechanism of action of these drugs differ.
Ambien also shares some similarities with benzodiazepines though these are different classes of drugs. Ambien is classified as a hypnotic, or sedative, sometimes referred to as a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator, or one of the “Z” drugs, in reference to its generic name, zolpidem.13
What Is Ambien Used For?
Ambien is most frequently used in a therapeutic context for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Sleep deprivation can cause many health problems, including neurocognitive consequences.
Ambien as a Date Rape Drug
Quite apart from the intended medical or therapeutic uses, Ambien has been used in drug-facilitated sexual assault, robberies, and other crimes, because of its fast onset and profound memory-obfuscating characteristics. Ambien is also hard to detect on a blood or urine drug test due to its rapid elimination. A hair sample may yield results for up to 4 weeks or more. The drug easily dissolves in alcohol, making it easy to slip into another’s drink unnoticed. The unsuspecting victim may not remember much, if any of what has happened, making a court conviction against the rapist or other perpetrator much harder to obtain.19,32
Ambien High
Taken in higher than therapeutic doses, the drug can produce euphoric effects that have been described as an Ambien high. Clinical studies have found this phenomenon more often in persons with a prior history of moderate to extensive pleasure-seeking through drug-taking. Another factor related to the potential for complications from abuse is that the effects of Ambien decline over time, which may generate the need for increasing doses to get the same effects, whether in therapeutic use for sleep or to achieve the same intensity of an Ambien high.26
Ambien Withdrawal Due to Dementia Concerns
Research has demonstrated that persons taking Ambien are more likely to develop dementia. A 2016 case study involving over 16,000 elderly persons taking Ambien showed an increased risk for dementia compared to the general population. Another study with nearly 7,000 participants showed long-term use of Ambien was associated with significantly higher rates of Alzheimer’s Disease than non-Ambien users.27,28
Natural Alternatives to Prescription Sleeping Pills After Ambien Withdrawal?
Simply stopping Ambien will not typically fix sleep dysfunction. Lack of sleep is ruinous. Sleep deprivation has been used as a method of torture in prison camps. Drugged sleep is more akin to unconsciousness than “rest,” most notably observed in the Cameron deep sleep programs of the 60s. Nestled between these 2 extremes, many natural and non-addictive sleep aids and strategies can gently improve one’s quality and duration of sleep. Using natural methods instead of prescription drugs is of great benefit after Ambien withdrawal. Examples include:
- Correct the diet — cut the sugar, refined carbs, junk food, alcohol, and caffeine. Consume adequate proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Include foods high in magnesium and amino acids, and avoid heavy foods close to bedtime.
- Test for and resolve vitamin/mineral deficiencies.
- Test for and remove neurotoxin accumulations in the body.
- Herbal and natural remedies such as a warm glass of milk (amino-rich), supplement the diet with magnesium, melatonin, glycine, GABA, tryptophan (precursor to melatonin and serotonin), and soothing teas such as chamomile, lavender, magnolia, passionflower, lemon balm, and valerian root. These can be used to help reduce discomfort during Ambien withdrawal.
- Remove toxins and molds that may be contaminating the work or living space.
- Opt for toxic-chemical-free products for personal hygiene and cleaning products.
- Electronics: Avoid blue light, WiFi, TV and computer screens, and other electronics, before retiring.
- Chiropractors advise upgrading your pillows and mattress. Opt for pillowcases and sheets made from soft, natural fibers that wick moisture away. In colder temperatures, choose a high thread count (400+) and a lower thread count (200) for hotter seasons to keep the body comfortable.
- Upgrade the bedroom: black-out curtains in the sleeping area, blue-light blockers, wear a comfortable sleep mask for eyes, white noise, soothing sounds, comfortable earplugs for noise reduction, and open a window or 2 for ventilation.
- Take care of your gut. Add fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt) to the daily diet. Supplement as needed with probiotics.
- Breathing and relaxation exercises before retiring.
- Set and keep a regular sleep schedule as best you can, aiming for 7-8 hours a night.
Ambien Alternative Names and Slang
Ambien®, Edluar®, Intermezzo®, Stilnox® and Zolpimist® are some of the trade names for the generic drug zolpidem tartrate. Ambien CR and zolpidem ER are the time-release versions of this medication. Ambien is sometimes referred to as a “Z” drug, along with other drugs used in the treatment of insomnia including zopiclone, eszopiclone, and zaleplon.20
Ambien withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other “Z” drugs.
Ambien is a drug that may require inpatient care for proper recovery and safe 
One of the most concerning Ambien withdrawal effects is rebound insomnia. Lack of sleep can become a problematic, repeating loop, especially without proper protocols in place during and after Ambien withdrawal.
