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AMBIEN ADDICTION AND ABUSE
Ambien addiction and abuse is not something that happens frequently. The FDA presently states that Ambien is a Schedule IV drug. This means it is viewed as a drug that has a low potential for abuse and can result in limited psychological or physical dependence. Ambien is typically given in 5mg and 10mg oral pills. An extended release version of Ambien can be found in Ambien CR, which is generally given in 6.25mg and 12.5mg oral pills. Ambien’s patent expired in 2007. This made it possible for patients to receive a low cost generic version of the drug, known as Zolpidem Presently, Ambien is the most frequently prescribed sleep aid in America. This has led the way for rising accessibility of the drug on the black market. According to Dr. Kim Mulvihill, Ambien addiction and abuse among teenagers is increasing. Teens sometimes abuse Ambien in conjunction with alcohol. Per Dr. Mulvihill, Ambien can be utilized as a date-rape drug, further elevating the concerns and dangers related to Ambien addiction. Addiction to Ambien can evolve if the drug is used frequently for long periods of time. An addiction can also evolve if the user starts abusing the drug by disobeying the physician’s orders on how the drug should be taken (e.g. consuming more than they should, or consuming it improperly). This includes smashing the pill and swallowing it, crushing and snorting it, or melting for injection purposes. Symptoms of Ambien addiction and abuse can be difficult to detect. These symptoms include mood swings, fluctuating between euphoria and aggression; heightened sensitivity (to sights and sounds); activity swings (sleeping for a long time followed by long periods of activity); preoccupation with having or using the drug; drug-seeking behavior (e.g. doctor-shopping); and withdrawal symptoms when Ambien use is stopped. Anyone who consumes Ambien (via a prescription or illegally) is susceptible to Ambien addiction and abuse; however, not everyone develops one. Suddenly stopping your Ambien use after using the drug for a long period of time can cause rather serious Ambien withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms can continue for a week or more. Consequently, it is not recommended to stop using without consulting your physician first. Ambien addiction and abuse may lead to withdrawal symptoms that include aggressive or uncharacteristic behavior, stomach or muscle cramps, confusion, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dysphoria, suicidal thoughts, and chronic insomnia It is also reported that seizures can occur during severe Ambien withdrawal; however, this seems to be rare. In spite of the severe discomfort and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, Ambien withdrawal is not generally life-threatening. |
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Ambien, also referred to as zolpidem tartrate, is a sedative-hypnotic that physicians prescribe to treat individuals who have insomnia. This treatment is usually short-term. It is classified as a non-benzodiazepine and as a part of the imidazopyridine category of drugs. Therefore, Ambien’s effects are like Xanax or Valium. Notably, it is not chemically associated with these drugs