Why Is Ambien Prescribed For Short-Term Use?

Many people experience some sleeping disorder. People with a sleep disorder might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. About 6-10% of adults in the United States have severe enough symptoms to get classified as suffering from insomnia disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association or the APA states that insomnia is the most common of all sleeping disorders, and people having this problem usually have to take medical aid.

The most common sleeping aid is the sleeping pills that doctors prescribe to people who have trouble sleeping or difficulty staying asleep. Doctors usually prescribe this drug for short-term use only because long-term use can cause different problems.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a prescription brand-name medication that helps manage insomnia. This medicine, also available as a generic drug under the name zolpidem, can help people sleep or stay asleep for longer, providing them a good night’s rest.

Ambien oral tablet comes in two forms:

·         Immediate-release (Ambien)

·         The extended-release (Ambien CR)

Both the form of this drug is are also available as the generic version.  

How Does It Work?

Ambien belongs to the class of medications known as sedatives. The medicines in this class affect the chemical composition of the brain to achieve its desired effects.

This medicine increases GABA activity in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter in the body that causes relaxation. Increasing its activity helps a person to fall asleep.

Ambien immediate-release tablet starts working as soon as you consume it and makes you fall asleep. Doctors recommend taking it immediately before going to bed.

The extended-release pill (Ambien CR) is consists of two layers; the first one dissolves quickly and makes you sleepy. The second layer disintegrates slowly and works throughout the night to keep you from waking up in the middle of the night.

Which form of Ambien you should use is best determined by a doctor after carefully examining your condition.

Can It Become Dangerous Over Long-Term Use?

Ambien is a short-term insomnia management solution. Doctors usually don’t recommend it for more than a few months. If the problem persists for a prolonged time, they typically ask patients to opt for another treatment.

Ambien works by altering the brain’s chemical composition, so if you take it for an extended period, your brain will adjust its functioning based on this drug’s presence in the system. This medicine’s effects over the long-term will make you dependent on it for proper functioning and sleeping.

If you are using Ambien for a long time and miss a few doses, you will experience the following unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ambien withdrawal symptoms will vary in intensity depending on how high of an amount you were taking:

·         Anxiety

·         Fatigue

·         Irritability

·         Tremors

·         Flushing

·         Rebound insomnia

·         Ambien cravings

·         Mood swing

·         Panic attacks

·         Increased heartbeat and breathing

·         Sweating

·         Abdominal cramps or discomfort

These symptoms occur in response to the brain’s inability to cope with Ambien withdrawal. When you consume this drug for an extended period, your body expects it to be available in the system all the time. And when it fails to detect Ambien, it will act up in unpredictable ways.

The risk of addiction is the reason why doctors only prescribe Ambien for short-term use.

What Side Effects Can I Face While Using Ambien?

When consuming Ambien, you can come across the following side effects. While this drug can cause various adverse effects, doctors usually prescribe the dose that will least likely make you experience undesirable results.

However, if you use this drug without professional supervision, you can expect to experience its mild to severe side effects.

Common side effects

·         Muscle pain

·         Lightheadedness

·         Grogginess

·         Palpitations

·         Chest pain

·         Dry mouth

·         Diarrhea

·         Dizziness

·         Drowsiness

·         Headache

Serious side effects

·         Allergic reaction

·         New or worsening depression

·         Abnormal thoughts and behavior

·         Difficulty breathing

·         Memory loss (amnesia)

·         Hallucinations

·         Suicidal thoughts

·         Weight loss of weight gain

·         Agitation

·         Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Some severe Ambien side effects might turn life-threatening if not treated in time. So make sure to inform the doctor as soon you experience any adverse effects.

If the side effect’s intensity is high, don’t waste time and call 911 or visit an ER right away.

How Can I Prevent The Ambien Side Effects?

Ambien can cause a severe allergic reaction, so before taking it, talk to your doctor about your allergies.

Tell about your medical history to the doctor before taking this drug to avoid any complications. This drug might cause side effects in people with the following conditions:

·         Depression

·         Lung disease

·         Breathing problems

·          Liver or kidney problems

·         Sleep apnea

·         Drug or alcohol addiction

This drug’s adverse effects can also amplify if you mix it with other prescription or over-the-counter medications. Ensure to consult a professional about Ambien’s safety if you are using any medicine, or vitamin or herbal supplement.

Stay away from alcoholic beverages for the duration of taking this drug. Mixing alcohol and Ambien is a recipe for disaster. In addition to alcohol, marijuana and other recreational drugs can also worsen its side effects.

Older people are more prone to facing Abmien’s side effects, so strictly control their dosage to minimize their risk of developing undesirable symptoms.

Avoid consuming Ambien during pregnancy because babies born to women who use this medicine in the final trimester of pregnancy may develop unusual sleepiness, limpness, breathing difficulties, or other withdrawal symptoms.

What Is The Standard AmbienDose?

Immediate-release tablet

·         The initial dose is 5mg for women and between 5-10mg for men.

·         Take the medication immediately before going to bed.

·         The doctor might increase the quantity to 10mg per day if 5mg is not sufficient.

·         Don’t consume more than 10mg of this medicine in a single day.

Extended-release tablet

·         The starting dose is 6.25mg for women and between 6.25-12.5mg for men.

·         Consume the drug immediately before going to bed.

·         Ensure you have at least 7-8 hours before needing to wake up.

·         The doctor can increase the amount to 12.5mg if 6.25mg is not adequate.

·         Avoid taking more than 12.5mg of this drug in a single day.