Ambien

Ambien belongs to the Nonbarbiturate Hypnotic class, used as the treatment for insomnia. If the patient has trouble falling asleep, it helps you fall asleep faster, so you can get a better night’s rest. 

The drug Ambien is the brand name of Zolpidem for short-term use for sleeping problems. Zolpidem belongs to a class of sedative hypnotics that acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. It makes you sleep quicker if you have difficulties falling asleep, so you can enjoy a better night’s relaxation. To develop a calming effect, it operates on your brain.

What Is Ambien Used For?

Many things make it difficult to fall asleep. Insomnia is constantly troubling falling asleep. 

Sleep problems:  Ambien is a sleeping pill. These medications use for insomnia patients. Ambien induces sleep by suppressing the brain that keeps a person awake.

Anxiety: Ambien is also used to treat anxiety-related sleeping problems. When a person is not sleeping well, it increases his anxiety. Ambien not only helps a person sleep better, but also it is relaxing and calming effects that can ease anxiety symptoms.

Work In Our System:

Ambien affects the patient’s chemicals in the brain which unbalance with sleep problems and insomnia. It binds to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) of neuroreceptors. It helps the user suppresses signaling pathways in the brain and central nervous system. It enhances the user to fall asleep easily and stay asleep without waking up the whole night.            

Forms, Dosage, And Strength Of Ambien:

Ambien helps for binding to neuroreceptors that slow brain activity. There are two versions of medication: Ambien Immediate-Release and Ambien Extended-Release or Ambien CR. Ambien must prescribe by a physician to help you determine which suit your health.

Ambien Immediate-Release tablet: This tablet is to help you fall asleep when you first go to bed. Based on the individual’s health condition, the doctor prescribes the dosage. 

This medication is available in 5 mg and 10 mg pills. For the identification of doses of Ambien, it is different by the color and the inscription on the pill. Both pill doses are capsule-shaped and film-coated.

The color of the 5 mg pill is pink with AMB 5 imprinted on one side and 5401 on the other side.

The color of the 10 mg pill is white and imprinted with AMB 10 on one side and 5421 on the other side.

The doctor advises the lowest dose of Ambien 5 mg for the initial treatment that will affect them. In general, according to the changes in health conditions the doctor recommended Ambien 10 mg dose for adults per day. The higher dose that should take in a day is 10 mg.

Ambien Extended-Release formula: Ambien CR is an Extended-Release formula and is a prescription medicine for the treatment of adults with trouble falling asleep and/or waking up often during the night. This medication formula has a quick-dissolving outer layer in the system. It helps a person fall asleep right away and a slow-release inner layer that helps them stay asleep. 

Ambien CR dosing is a little different, due to its extended-release formula. The available Ambien CR is in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg tablets. Starting recommendation dose for adults is Ambien CR 6.25 mg taken right before bedtime. The max dose per day is Ambien CR12.5 mg. Ambien Extended-Release formula pills are slightly different. They are round and convex on both sides with an “A” imprinted on one side. The color of the pill is pink at 6.25 mg while the 12.5 mg pill is blue.

Similar to drugs like Lunesta and Restoril are used for the short-term treatment of adults who have trouble falling asleep.

How To Use Ambien?

Read the medication guide in the leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Ambien (Zolpidem) and each time you get a refill. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach without breaking, chewing as directed by your doctor, usually once a night. Do not take it with or after a meal because it will not work as quickly. Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night’s sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. It is not recommended to take more than 10 milligrams a day without a prescription from the doctor.

Dosage is based on your gender, age, medical condition, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed.

You can purchase the medicine only with a proper prescription from a doctor from a chemist shop near you or order Ambien online. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Who Can And Can’t Take Ambien?

This medication is not suitable for some people. Because, of the age, gender, health, and mental condition of the patient. You should remember that this medication can take by most adults aged 18 and over.

To make sure Ambien is safe for you, tell a doctor if you:

• Any allergic reaction to zolpidem or any other medicines in the past.
• Liver or kidney problems.
• An illness that causes muscle weakness.
• Breathing problems.
• Mental health problems.
• Issues with alcohol or drugs
• If you are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about the above situations.

Signs & Symptoms Of Side Effects:

After taking this medication, most patients experience different types of side effects. These side effects vary from patient to patient according to their health and mental condition. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or health provider promptly.

Some side effects that patients experience such as chest pain, Severe drowsiness, Dizziness, Fast or irregular heartbeat, Trouble swallowing, Accidents, Weakness, Trouble breathing, Feeling short of breath, Passing out feeling, Daytime drowsiness, Feeling drugged, Light-headed, Tired feeling, Nausea, Loss of coordination, Throat irritation, Dry nose, Dry mouth, Stuffy nose, Diarrhea, Headache, Upset stomach, Muscle pain, Constipation, etc.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. If you get to notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing go to medical help right away.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

The reaction of different medicine varies from each other. Other medications with Ambien may affect your body, and how it works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as Codeine, Hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other sleep or anxiety medications (such as Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zopiclone), muscle relaxants.

You never take Lunesta and Ambien at a time. While you are consuming Ambien, you should not take the following medications, such as:

• Antianxiety medications: Oxycodone, Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, Gabapentin.
• Muscle relaxants medication.
• ADHD Medication: Adderall, Provigil, Modafinil, Suboxone. Ritalin.
• Narcotic pain relievers: Norco, Lortab, Percocet, and Methadone.
• Allergy medications: Claritin
• Cough and cold medications that may cause drowsiness: Cetrizin.

The risk of serious side effects such as slow breathing and severe dizziness. It may be increased if this medicine is taken with other products that may also cause difficulty breathing. You should discuss with your doctor what medication you have taken.

What If I Forget To Take It?

If you forget to take your drug, leave out the missed dose. Start again the next night and take your Ambien at the usual time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

Over-Dose:

Never take two doses at the same time. If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately for a complete check-up. If any patient experiences the symptoms of overdose may include slowed breathing or a deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened. You can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 in the USA.

Abuse, Addiction, And Withdrawal:

Ambien was first developed to provide an effective alternative to other sleep medications.

According to a doctor’s advice, Ambien is used on a short-term basis. Its chemical dependency and addiction are unlikely to develop tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal. Individuals at risk of addiction include those who take Ambien for longer than a few weeks. All these signs of addictive drugs are the most serious side effects.

Signs of an Ambien addiction include:

• Refilling prescriptions unusually often.
• Repeatedly taking larger doses than prescribed.
• Experiencing cravings for Ambien.
• Spending large amounts of money on the drug.
• Isolating oneself from family and friends.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms And Detox:

When Ambien addiction occurs if you suddenly stopped or slowed, the user will feel uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms, known as withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of withdrawal are characterized by the  following:

Additional withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Seizures
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• Agitation
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Muscle cramps

The severity of withdrawal symptoms will vary based on a person’s drug abuse history, and whether they are abusing more than one drug. Your doctor should know how to stop this medication with fewer withdrawal symptoms.

Important Safety Information:

Complex sleep behaviors including sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake may occur following the use of the medication. It may cause serious side effects including complex sleep behaviors that have caused serious injury and death. So, before taking the drug tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Do not take more Ambien or Ambien CR than prescribed.
• Take this medication only once per night, right before going to bed.
• If you have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts
• A history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
• Do not take it if you have had an allergic reaction to drugs containing Zolpidem, such as Ambien, Edluar, Zolpimist, or Intermezzo. A serious allergic reaction to Zolpidem can include swelling of your face, lips, and throat.
• Do not take this medication in the morning time.
• Store it away from sunlight and humidity at room temperature after you purchase Ambien online. Do not store your things in the toilet. Hold kids and pets away from all drugs.
• Unless directed to do so, do not dump medicines down the toilet or dump them into a drain. When it is outdated or no more required, correctly dispose of this drug.
• You should not drive a car after you take this drug.
• Ambien medications are not recommended in children under the age of 18 years.
• You should not drink alcohol that evening or before bed.

Stop taking Ambien and call your doctor right away if you find any of the above side effects or any other side effects that worry you while using this drug.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does Ambien stay in the system?

Ambien has a short half-life of about 2 hours. It is metabolized quickly. Factors such as age, organ function, dosage, other medications are taken, or other medical conditions present influence how long Ambien remains in the system. It is detected in blood for approximately 11 hours, in saliva for up to 24 hours, and in urine for 36-48 hours. Is Ambien CR a narcotic?

How long does Ambien keep you asleep?

Generally, the effects of low-dose Ambien 5 mg last for 7-8 hours. Similar to its elimination, the efficacy of Ambien is affected by age, weight, other medications are taken, and other medical conditions present.

Higher doses of Ambien or Ambien CR, the extended-release formulation, may have longer-lasting effects and cause next-day drowsiness. Consult your doctor if this happens.

When to take Ambien before bed?

Take Ambien immediately before going to bed. Make sure that you can stay in bed for 7-8 hours after taking Ambien is still in your system can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, among other adverse effects.

Can Ambien cause death?

Ambien comes with certain risks. However, Ambien has a high dose, which means that it clears from the body relatively quickly. At extremely high doses, or when mixed with alcohol, Ambien can produce severe side effects and even cause permanent damage. While taking this medication you should never drive or sleepwalk, without being fully awake. It may life threaten.