Ambien Withdrawal Should Be Managed Carefully and Slowly

Last Updated on May 13, 2022 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Michael Loes MD

Ambien withdrawal and Ambien addiction recovery entail more than just getting off the drug … it’s being able to sleep afterward. Ambien side effects can worsen over time so dramatically that physicians are strongly cautioned not to prescribe Ambien© for more than a few weeks, at most.

Drug-based sleep aids like Ambien can create more than just “an addiction.” Finding sleep relief without them is obviously a large concern.

Do Your Symptoms

Require Ambien?

Alternative to Meds has been navigating sedative withdrawal for more than 15 years. We have published evidence regarding our success. Some people can eliminate Ambien dependence fairly easily with proper holistic support. The more complicated cases are typically neurotoxic, which can impair a person’s neurology. We specialize in holistic repair and cleaning up that toxic burden so that the neurochemistry can normalize once again, and resolve problems such as insomnia. The success of this approach is far more sustainable without the complicating side effects of drugging the problem.

You probably are already aware of the spiral this drug can cause. Drug-induced sleep at night is not really sleep, and the zombie-like depersonalization that often comes with drugs for insomnia is unbearable.

The video here about neurochemistry was designed for a benzodiazepine conversation, but much of the material applies to Ambien as well. Feel free to call us to get hope about your situation.

Ambien Addiction, Dependence, and Abuse Potential

Ambien addiction and abuse have developed into 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 addiction or abuse, but research has demonstrated this is definitely not the case. Ambien addiction treatment and Ambien withdrawal and tapering safely, are best handled in a clinical setting where behavioral disturbances or other erratic withdrawal symptoms are closely monitored for safe Ambien withdrawal.²⁵

Multiple studies out of France showed that Ambien addiction, dependence, and abuse potential were higher than previously considered.^29,30

Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien is a drug that may require inpatient care for proper recovery and safe tapering.

Ambien (zolpidem) has been shown in clinical studies published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and elsewhere to be prone to developing Ambien addiction, dependence, and abuse.^{12,15,21,29,30}

Full monitoring of someone who is experiencing Ambien withdrawal phenomena is highly recommended and may require 24/7 observation. Ambien Withdrawal should be managed carefully and slowly, especially after long-term use.¹⁵

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal delirium, hallucinations, irrelevant speech, agitated behavior ^11,15
Seizure ³¹
Nightmares, insomnia ¹²
Anxiety, apprehension, sadness, restlessness, irritability ¹⁵
Panic attacks, nervousness ¹⁶
Rebound insomnia* ^15,18
Dysphoria, uncontrolled crying spells ¹⁶
Heart palpitations ¹⁵
Stomach and muscle cramps ¹⁶
Vomiting/nausea ^15,16
Shaking, tremors, convulsions ¹⁶
Fatigue ¹⁶
Lightheadedness ¹⁶
Fever, flushing, sweating ¹⁶
Drug cravings ^15,21

*According to sleepadvisor.org, rebound insomnia occurs when sleep problems worsen when coming off sleeping pills. An important part of recovery after Ambien addiction is recovery of quality sleep.

Ambien Withdrawal and Improved Sleep

Clinical studies show that after Ambien withdrawal and from long-term use of insomnia drugs in general, the majority of participants who stopped the drug experienced better sleep quality and less anxiety compared to non-withdrawers at 6 months post-withdrawal follow-up.⁸

Infants and Ambien Withdrawal

The FDA reported on clinical trials showing that Infants born to mothers taking Ambien may experience postnatal withdrawal symptoms.¹⁶

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 addiction recovery can be found below.

15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.

Up to 87 ½% Long-Term Success Rate.

Click to Call7 Days a Week

Join Our Information ARMY AND STAY INFORMED

Ambien Side Effects

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 side effects of the drug can result in sleep disturbances, physical discomforts, 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 addiction or dependence has developed, the simultaneous use of these other CNS depressants may create a heightened health risk, due to their synergistic effects when 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

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, 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), myalgia (aching muscle or groups of muscles).
Nightmares
Respiratory depression
Hepatic impairment

Is Ambien an Opioid?

Opioid addiction and Ambien addiction share some characteristics, however, Ambien is not an opioid. Some characteristics of Ambien side effects may overlap with those of opioids, but the mechanism of action of Ambien is different than that of opiates. Ambien also shares some characteristic side effects of benzodiazepines and also shares some of the same mechanisms of action as benzos. 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 Ambien addiction and 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 therapeutic for sleep, or to achieve the same intensity of an Ambien high.²⁶

Ambien and 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

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. 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.
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, 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 FAQs

There is much to learn about a drug that is as unpredictable and powerful as Ambien. Some of the most common questions about Ambien side effects, Ambien addiction, dependence and abuse, and Ambien withdrawal are covered briefly below. We can provide more information by request on any of these or other important topics.

Are There Safety Concerns with Ambien? How Long Does Ambien Last?

Do not take Ambien if you are not able to stay at rest for at least seven or eight hours after taking the drug, as the sedating effects will last at least that long, and can sometimes linger beyond that time frame, into the next day.

In addition to the potential “knock-out” effect, sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other manifestations of somnambulism that may occur after taking Ambien also pose a serious safety concern.⁹

Ambien has a very short half-life of only one to two hours. The active ingredient in Ambien, zolpidem, will reach peak blood levels, after an exceptionally short time, approximately thirty minutes. It is strongly recommended to take Ambien only immediately prior to retiring.

Ambien is unlikely to show up on a drug test after a few days. A urine test may read positive if done within one or two days; however, testing done on a hair sample could be a more reliable method. Hair tests have shown a positive reading for 4-8 weeks according to a large research project in France published in the Journal of Forensic Science International in 2005.³.

Is Ambien a Benzodiazepine?

No. Ambien is classified as a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic sedative. Benzodiazepines have a sedating effect. They do share some but not all of the same side effects. Both Ambien and benzos are associated with a risk for abuse and addiction because of their euphoric and muscle-relaxing effects. Clinical trials published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology showed that baboons demonstrated similar “drug-liking” effects for benzodiazepines and zolpidem.²¹

Benzodiazepine drugs are also sometimes prescribed for insomnia, but these two types of drugs act on the central nervous system and brain in different ways. There are certain GABA receptors that Ambien acts on such as the alpha-1 subclass, where benzodiazepines act upon subunits of the GABA alpha-1, alpha-2, alpha-3, and other classes. The fine wiring of the brain is a complex matter. Drug testing will show Ambien distinctly differently than benzodiazepines, cannabis, or other drugs that are not in the same class.²² We can observe that Ambien and benzodiazepines are similar, but not entirely the same in the effects produced. For instance, both benzodiazepines and Ambien affect sleep, but the benzodiazepine class additionally produces anti-anxiety effects.²

Treatment for Ambien Addiction & Abuse at Alternative to Meds Center

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.

However, Alternative to Meds Center offers a holistic, medically monitored model for safe Ambien withdrawal and the program also provides CBT and other genres of counseling and life coaching to address Ambien addiction recovery. At Alternative to Meds Center, we are committed to safely discontinuing medications, and also finding and resolving the root of the problems that led to prescribing a sleeping pill in the first place. On our services overview page, you will find much information to offer about the comprehensive treatments available in our in-patient retreat-style program for recovering from insomnia, and from the negative effects that were caused or aggravated by dependence on sleeping aids.

You may want to find out more about safe tapering protocols, therapeutic massage therapies, personal counseling in many genres, neurotoxin removal protocols, tailored nutritional guidance, and a wealth of other therapeutic services offered to our clients, geared toward authentic health recovery.

A healthy vibrant state includes being able to sleep soundly and restfully, which provides adequate energy for one’s successful day-to-day living. Alternative to Meds Center can provide Ambien alternatives and the means to help you overcome the challenges that may have impacted your life negatively. There is hope for a safe recovery, restored health, and optimal living. Alternative to Meds Center offers holistic Ambien withdrawal and Ambien addiction recovery so life can be lived well and improved quality of sleep without further dependence on drugs.

1. FDA label Ambien CR Approval 1992 [cited 2022 Mar 29]
2. “FDA Requires stronger warnings about rare but serious incidents related to certain prescription insomnia medications” FDA news release issued 2019 Apr 30 [cited 2022 Mar 29]
3. Wilkinson CJ, “The abuse potential of zolpidem administered alone and with alcohol.” Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1998 May;60(1):193-202. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(97)00584-4. PMID: 9610942. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
4. Sleep Advisor authors, “How Do You Get Off Sleeping Pills – Symptoms and What to Expect.” June 7, 2020 [cited 2022 Mar 29]
5. Reichner C, “Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy.” Obstet Med 2015 Dec; 8(4): 168-171 [published onlin 2015 Sept 21) doi: 10.1177/1753495X15600572 PMID 27512475 [cited 2022 Mar 29]
6. Monti JM, Spence DW, Buttoo K, Pandi-Perumal SR. Zolpidem’s use for insomnia. Asian J Psychiatr. 2017 Feb;25:79-90. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.10.006. Epub 2016 Oct 12. PMID: 28262178. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
7. FDA, “Questions and Answers: Risk of next-morning impairment after use of insomnia drugs.” Reviewed 2018 [cited 2022 Mar 29]
8. Lähteenmäki R, Neuvonen PJ, Puustinen J, Vahlberg T, Partinen M, Räihä I, Kivelä SL. Withdrawal from long-term use of zopiclone, zolpidem and temazepam may improve perceived sleep and quality of life in older adults with primary insomnia. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2019 Mar;124(3):330-340. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.13144. Epub 2018 Dec 3. PMID: 30295409. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
9. Stallman HM, Kohler M, White J. Medication induced sleepwalking: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2018 Feb;37:105-113. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.01.005. Epub 2017 Jan 29. PMID: 28363449. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
10. Westermeyer J, Carr TM. Zolpidem-Associated Consequences: An Updated Literature Review With Case Reports. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2020 Jan;208(1):28-32. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001074. PMID: 31834190. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
11. Mattoo SK, Gaur N, Das PP. Zolpidem withdrawal delirium. Indian J Pharmacol. 2011 Nov;43(6):729-30. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613.89838. PMID: 22144786; PMCID: PMC3229797. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
12. Victorri-Vigneau C, Dailly E, Veyrac G, Jolliet P. Evidence of zolpidem abuse and dependence: results of the French Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP) network survey. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Aug;64(2):198-209. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02861.x. Epub 2007 Feb 23. PMID: 17324242; PMCID: PMC2000636. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
13. Bouchette D, Akhondi H, Quick J. Zolpidem. [Updated 2021 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442008/ [cited 2022 Mar 29]

14. Joester J, Vogler CM, Chang K, Hilmer SN. Hypnosedative use and predictors of successful withdrawal in new patients attending a falls clinic: a retrospective, cohort study. Drugs Aging. 2010 Nov 1;27(11):915-24. doi: 10.2165/11584480-000000000-00000. PMID: 20964465. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
15. Aggarwal A, Sharma D, “Zolpidem Withdrawal Delirium – A Case Report” Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences https://doi.org/10.1176/jnp.2010.22.4.451.e27 [online] [cited 2022 Mar 29]
16. FDA label Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) tablets [online] [cited 2022 Mar 29]
17. Sharan P, Bharadwaj R, Grover S, Padhy SK, Kumar V, Singh J. Dependence syndrome and intoxication delirium associated with zolpidem. Natl Med J India. 2007 Jul-Aug;20(4):180-1. PMID: 18085123. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
18. Hajak G, Clarenbach P, Fischer W, Rodenbeck A, Bandelow B, Broocks A, Rüther E. Rebound insomnia after hypnotic withdrawal in insomniac outpatients. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1998;248(3):148-56. doi: 10.1007/s004060050032. PMID: 9728734. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
19. Anilanmert B, Çavuş F, Narin I, Cengiz S, Sertler Ş, Özdemir AA, Açikkol M. Simultaneous analysis method for GHB, ketamine, norketamine, phenobarbital, thiopental, zolpidem, zopiclone and phenytoin in urine, using C18 poroshell column. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2016 Jun 1;1022:230-241. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.03.040. Epub 2016 Apr 9. PMID: 27107852. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
20. Brandt J, Leong C. Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs: An Updated Review of Major Adverse Outcomes Reported on in Epidemiologic Research. Drugs R D. 2017;17(4):493-507. doi:10.1007/s40268-017-0207-7 [cited 2022 Mar 29]
21. Victorri-Vigneau C, Dailly E, Veyrac G, Jolliet P. Evidence of zolpidem abuse and dependence: results of the French Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP) network survey. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007;64(2):198-209. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02861.x [cited 2022 Mar 29]
22. Piergies AA, Sainati S, Roth-Schechter B. Lack of cross-reactivity of Ambien (zolpidem) with drugs in standard urine drug screens. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1997 Apr;121(4):392-4. PMID: 9140309. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
23. Chèze M, Duffort G, Deveaux M, Pépin G. Hair analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in toxicological investigation of drug-facilitated crimes: report of 128 cases over the period June 2003-May 2004 in metropolitan Paris. Forensic Sci Int. 2005 Oct 4;153(1):3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2005.04.021. PMID: 15922526. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
24. Orsolini L, Chiappini S, Grandinetti P, Bruschi A, Testa R, Provenzano A, Berardis D, Volpe U. ‘Z-trip’? A Comprehensive Overview and a Case-series of Zolpidem Misuse. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2021 May 31;19(2):367-387. doi: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.2.367. PMID: 33888666; PMCID: PMC8077048. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
25. Hajak G, Müller WE, Wittchen HU, Pittrow D, Kirch W. Abuse and dependence potential for the non-benzodiazepine hypnotics zolpidem and zopiclone: a review of case reports and epidemiological data. Addiction. 2003 Oct;98(10):1371-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1360-0443.2003.00491.x. PMID: 14519173. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
26. Licata SC, Mashhoon Y, Maclean RR, Lukas SE. Modest abuse-related subjective effects of zolpidem in drug-naive volunteers. Behav Pharmacol. 2011;22(2):160-166. doi:10.1097/FBP.0b013e328343d78a [cited 2022 Mar 29]
27. Shih HI, Lin CC, Tu YF, Chang CM, Hsu HC, Chi CH, Kao CH. An increased risk of reversible dementia may occur after zolpidem derivative use in the elderly population: a population-based case-control study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 May;94(17):e809. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000809. Erratum in: Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jun 19;94(24):1. PMID: 25929937; PMCID: PMC4603066. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
28. Cheng HT, Lin FJ, Erickson SR, Hong JL, Wu CH. The Association Between the Use of Zolpidem and the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease Among Older People. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2017 Nov;65(11):2488-2495. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15018. Epub 2017 Sep 7. PMID: 28884784. [cited 2022 Mar 29]
29. Victorri-Vigneau C, Gérardin M, Rousselet M, Guerlais M, Grall-Bronnec M, Jolliet P. An update on zolpidem abuse and dependence. J Addict Dis. 2014;33(1):15-23. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2014.882725. PMID: 24467433. [cited 2022 May 13]
30. Victorri-Vigneau C, Dailly E, Veyrac G, Jolliet P. Evidence of zolpidem abuse and dependence: results of the French Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependence (CEIP) network survey. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Aug;64(2):198-209. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2007.02861.x. Epub 2007 Feb 23. PMID: 17324242; PMCID: PMC2000636. [citred 2022 May 13]
31. Sethi PK, Khandelwal DC. Zolpidem at supratherapeutic doses can cause drug abuse, dependence and withdrawal seizure. J Assoc Physicians India. 2005 Feb;53:139-40. PMID: 15847035. [cited 2022 May 13]
32. Madea B, Musshoff F. Knock-out drugs: their prevalence, modes of action, and means of detection. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009;106(20):341-347. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2009.0341 [cited 2022 May 13]

Originally Published Oct 2, 2018 by Lyle Murphy, Founder

This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Michael Loes, M.D.

Dr. Michael Loes is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978. Dr. Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally, he is a well-published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response, and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.

Social Profile: LinkedIn

View Bio

Lyle Murphy

Lyle Murphy is the founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, a licensed residential program that helps people overcome dependence on psychiatric medication and addiction issues using holistic and psychotherapeutic methods.

Contact Us Today!

Fill out the form below to connect with us today!

Our Success Stories

Medication Withdrawal Success Stories

Can you imagine being free from medications, addictive drugs, and alcohol? This is our goal and we are proving it is possible every day!

Read All Stories View All Videos

Join the Alternative to Meds Social Community

Get social with us.

Ambien Addiction, Withdrawal, Side Effects, Alternatives, Tapering

Table of Contents: