Like with any other drug or chemical you introduce to your body, Ambien withdrawal is a factor to consider. Understanding how Ambien interacts with your body is essential if you plan to use this medication or if you’re considering stopping its use.
Ambien is a prescription sleep medication that slows down brain activity, helping people fall asleep faster. Considered a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug, Ambien is intended for short-term use. In recent years, misuse of Ambien and other hypnotic medications has increased. Even if you’ve used Ambien at prescribed doses, quitting Ambien can cause withdrawal effects.
What Happens When You Quit Using Ambien?
You may wonder, “What happens when you quit Ambien cold turkey?” Quitting Ambien without tapering the dose or seeking a medically supervised detox can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potential health risks.
If you have been taking Ambien regularly for a while and quit suddenly, you may notice some adverse effects as your body readjusts to its baseline without the drug. This adjustment process is your body withdrawing from Ambien and involves uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
The Ambien withdrawal process can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual and the extent of their Ambien use. Tapering off the medication under medical supervision can help mitigate the severity of these symptoms.
Ambien withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on factors such as how long the drug was used, the dosage, and individual physiology. Common symptoms include both physical and psychological effects.
Here’s a list of potential withdrawal symptoms:
- Rebound insomnia
- Anxiety and panic
- Heightened mood swings and irritability
- Fatigue
- Emotional instability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Recurring or severe headaches
- Generalized aches and pains
- Heart palpitations
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Cognitive symptoms (memory loss and difficulty focusing)
- Intense cravings for Ambien
- Restlessness or an inability to sit still
- Confusion or delirium
- Dizziness or vertigo
Dangers of Ambien Withdrawal
Ambien withdrawal can pose several dangers, especially for individuals who have used the medication regularly or for extended periods. In rare cases, individuals who abruptly stop Ambien after long-term and poly-drug use may experience seizures.
Additionally, the combination of cognitive and physical symptoms can increase the risk of accidents or injuries during the withdrawal process. Some people may feel detached from reality or themselves, which can be frightening and disorienting.
Ambien Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for Ambien withdrawal can differ based on a variety of factors. However, the main symptoms of Ambien withdrawal typically resolve after one to two weeks.
Here’s an outline of the typical withdrawal timeline:
First 24-48 Hours
Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 24 to 48 hours after the last dose of Ambien. During this time, the most noticeable symptom is often rebound insomnia—a return of severe sleep difficulties, sometimes worse than before Ambien use.
Anxiety, restlessness, and irritability may start to appear. Some people may also experience mild nausea or headaches.
Days 3-5
Withdrawal symptoms generally peak around days 3 to 5, with intense physical and psychological symptoms. Severe insomnia is expected, along with headaches, muscle tension, sweating, and nausea. Hand and whole-body tremors may also intensify.
At this stage, mental health symptoms like anxiety and mood swings can be at their worst, and intense cravings for Ambien may arise as the body adjusts to its absence.
Days 6-14
After the peak period, many symptoms begin gradually subsiding. Sleep may still be disturbed but starts to improve slowly.
Emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, may lessen but can linger. Physical withdrawal symptoms like headaches and nausea typically begin to resolve during this phase.
2 Weeks and Beyond
For some individuals, symptoms such as rebound insomnia and anxiety can persist for several weeks or even longer. People with an extended Ambien use history are more likely to experience these effects beyond two weeks.
In rare cases, symptoms like insomnia and anxiety may persist for months, a condition known as “protracted withdrawal.” This withdrawal experience is more common in individuals who have used Ambien for at least a few months or at high doses.
Factors Influencing the Ambien Withdrawal Timeline
Factors influencing the Ambien withdrawal timeline may include:
- Dosage
- Frequency of use (daily versus occasional)
- Length of use
- If the drug use was tapered gradually or quit cold turkey
- Route of administration (oral versus intravenous)
- Polysubstance abuse
- Individual metabolism, body mass, and genetics
- Co-occurring medical or mental health conditions
- Environmental factors, such as stress levels and support system
It is important to note that every individual’s experience with Ambien withdrawal will vary. Some individuals may have a shorter withdrawal period while others may experience more intense symptoms for a longer period of time.
Need Help For Ambien Addiction?
Our admissions team is available around the clock to help you or a loved one get the help you need.
How Do You Treat Ambien Withdrawal?
The long-term use or abuse of Ambien can lead to dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. The first step in treating Ambien withdrawal is to gradually taper off the medication under medical supervision. Suddenly stopping the use of Ambien can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, some of which are threatening. For this reason, it’s important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with Ambien addiction.
Medical Detox For Ambien Addiction
Medical detox is a critical first step before starting treatment for substance use disorders. Medications like Ambien can cause significant withdrawal symptoms; detox is vital. Detox allows the body to safely eliminate the substance while managing potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.
A person must be physically and mentally stable before long-term addiction treatment. Medical detox helps bring the person to a baseline level where they can focus on treatment and recovery without the distraction of acute withdrawal symptoms.
Medical Detox For Ambien Addiction
Medical professionals create a structured, calm environment that helps manage the emotional and psychological stress of withdrawal, making the process more bearable. Detox can include medications to reduce cravings, making it easier to stay off the drug and preventing a return to use during this vulnerable period.
There are no medications currently approved to treat Ambien withdrawal. However, a few medicines are utilized off-label to manage the symptoms:
- Benzodiazepines – can help manage the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and seizures that may occur
- Antidepressants – can help stabilize mood and reduce emotional distress
- Gabapentin – helps stabilize the nervous system, which can become overactive and lead to anxiety and sleep disturbance
- Clonidine – an antihypertensive drug used to manage symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, elevated heart rate, and sweating during withdrawal
- Hydroxyzine – a non-habit-forming antihistamine that also has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the physical discomfort associated with Ambien withdrawal
- Over-the-counter sleep aids – OTC medications or melatonin supplements can help with rebound insomnia
Inpatient Treatment for Ambien Addiction
Inpatient treatment offers an optimal environment for overcoming Ambien addiction. With round-the-clock support from medical and behavioral health professionals, this approach provides a safe space, free from everyday triggers. Residential rehab is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with severe addiction, offering the structured care needed for lasting recovery.
Outpatient Treatment for Ambien Addiction
Outpatient treatment for Ambien addiction provides a flexible and effective option for those transitioning from inpatient rehab or for individuals who do not require residential care. Here are the key levels of outpatient care:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) allow you to live at home while participating in treatment for the majority of the day, offering a structured and intensive recovery environment.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide flexible scheduling with day or evening sessions. Participants attend for 1–3 hours per session, making it possible to maintain work and home responsibilities while receiving focused care.
- Outpatient Programs (OP) offer the most flexibility, requiring just a few hours of treatment per week. This option is ideal for those who need less intensive support while continuing to live at home and meet daily obligations.
Each of these programs is designed to meet clients where they are in their recovery journey, offering a continuum of care tailored to individual needs.
Does Insurance Pay for Ambien Rehab?
Most major insurance providers cover behavioral health care in much the same way they handle medical care. This often involves meeting a deductible, paying co-insurance, or covering a copay. If you’re unsure about your drug rehab insurance benefits, contact our admissions specialists. They will work directly with your insurance company to clarify your coverage, benefits, and any potential out-of-pocket costs for Ambien rehab.
Get Help For Ambien Withdrawal & Addiction
Vogue Recovery Centers initially assists clients in their recovery from Ambien withdrawal in our detox programs. After completing detox, client are better prepared to engage in comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including therapy, counseling, and support groups.
To help clients recover from Ambien withdrawal and addiction, Vogue Recovery Centers offer individualized treatment within a full continuum of care, including the following:
- Drug detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient programs
- Aftercare planning and support groups
If you or a loved one is struggling with Ambien withdrawal, call Vogue Recovery Centers today. With detox and treatment locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, you can receive non-judgmental care and a listening ear. Treatment at Vogue is highly individualized and geared toward your specific needs. Begin your recovery journey today to reclaim a life worth living.
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- Rebound insomnia: a critical review – PubMed
- Abrupt Withdrawal From Chronic High-Dose Zolpidem Use: A Case Report of Resulting Delirium – PMC
- Zolpidem Dependency and Withdrawal Seizure: A Case Report Study – PMC
- Detoxification from high-dose zolpidem using diazepam – PubMed
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
