Ambien Withdrawal

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 vary based on factors such as dosage, duration of use, individual health, and whether the person quits cold turkey or tapers the medication.

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
Dosage
Duration of use
If the drug use was tapered gradually or quit cold turkey
Body mass and overall health of the person

Importance of Medical Detox Before Starting Treatment

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.

What Medications Are Used For Ambien Detox?

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

Ambien Addiction Treatment at VRC

After completing detox, patients are better prepared to engage in comprehensive addiction treatment programs, including therapy, counseling, and support groups.

Vogue Recovery Centers offer individualized treatment to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Treatment plans include several options for levels of care, including the following:

Residential treatment
Partial hospitalization program
Intensive outpatient program
Outpatient programs
Aftercare planning and support groups

Need Help?

If you or a loved one have had a troublesome relationship with Ambien or similar medications, call Vogue Recovery Centers today. With locations in 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.