Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative with hypnotic properties. It is prescribed in the treatment of anxiety and for managing mood related issues. It is also used to treat insomnia. The drug is not without its side effects, and therefore, physicians do not prescribe a course longer than four weeks. Ambien is a central nervous system depressant and it slows down the working of the brain. It can cause dizziness, poor balance, and weird dreams. This is the reason why this drug is not available as an over-the-counter medicine. This is also the reason why the drug is to be taken only before going to bed, regardless of the condition it is prescribed for. The normal dosage for Ambien does not exceed one 10 mg taken once a day. Subjects with liver damage may be prescribed a dose of only 5 mg per day.
The drug can lead to dependence if abused, and therefore, it is a Schedule IV controlled substance. People abuse Ambien because of the feelings of euphoria that it can cause.
Ambien is also prescribed to people suffering from panic attacks. Ambien induces a feeling of relaxation and destresses the subject. This it achieves by changing the balance of chemicals in the brain.
Upon consumption, absorption happens quickly, and the effects can be felt in around one and half hours of taking this medicine. However, Ambien can reach maximum levels in the blood in as few as thirty minutes. Ambien stays in the body for a few days before it is fully excreted. A urine screen will detect Ambien for a couple of days after consumption; it can show up in hair samples even after months.
Ambien is an expensive prescription drug. Branded Ambien can cost $100 for a 30-day course. It helps if your insurance covers this type of medication. If it does, you may have to pay $70 or less. Opting for generic versions of this medicine is an alternative. Generic zolpidem can be purchased for up to $30.
Ambien abuse can be a little tricky to detect because there are no overt symptoms of Ambien addiction. It is also possible that a person taking Ambien under prescription may develop tolerance and begin taking a higher than prescribed dose for achieving the desired therapeutic effects.
Physical dependence is not the only serious negative fallout of zolpidem addiction. Psychological craving and acute withdrawal symptoms are other problems that an Ambien addict has to deal with.
If you’ve got questions about how Ambien addiction affects one’s personal and professional life, the dos and don’ts related to consuming Ambien for therapy, and how to beat zolpidem addiction, then get in touch with The Villa Treatment Center. Our experienced recovery experts can guide you. Call us. 1-818-639-7160