Here is everything you need to know all about Ambien and its effects.
All About Ambien
Ambien is the brand name for Zolpidem Tartrate, a sedative that falls under the hypnotic class of medication. In general, the purpose is to treat insomnia in patients and is seen as a better alternative to benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Ambien’s design is to provide the same sleep relief as other drugs but without the dangerous side effects commonly associated with drugs such as Valium. It was approved by the FDA in 1992, during a period where the prevailing sleep aid, Halcion, was being linked with suicide, psychosis, and addiction, and was welcomed openly by society.
Ambien works by binding and activating GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter which is responsible for blocking impulses between nerve cells in the brain. Ambien binds to the same receptors as benzodiazepines. By binding to the receptors, the chemical essentially slows down brain function, making it easier to fall asleep. While Ambien became popular because it was believed to have less of the harmful side effects of other sleep-aids available at the time, it comes with its own risks. Here are all about Ambien risks:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Feeling “drugged”
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Headaches
Some of the serious side effects of Ambien include:
- Memory loss
- Impending or worsening depression
- Unusual thoughts
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Aggressive behavior
- Anxiety
A chemical tolerance is when a higher dose is required to get the same desired results while taking a drug. Essentially, the body gets used to the drug and more of it is required to feel the effects. Unfortunately, Ambien tolerance develops quickly in some patients. Ambien was never designed to be a long-term use drug. However, some patients require their physician to increase the dosage to get the same relief.
Increasing the dosage may cause users to develop a dependency to the drug. Some may find that they are unable to fall asleep without it. At this point, normal use begins to turn to abuse. According to SAMHSA, Ambien abuse is rare among those who have a prescription, and is more likely to be abused by those who acquire it illicitly. Here is our info all about Ambien.
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