Can You Overdose On Ambien? What You Need to Know.

Ambien is the brand name for the generic medication called zolpidem. It is a prescription sedative-hypnotic, and is a common short-term treatment for insomnia or sleeplessness. While Ambien is an effective medication, is it possible to overdose on Ambien? If so, what are the Ambien overdose symptoms and treatment? We will answer all that and more in this article.

• Yes, you can overdose on Ambien (zolpidem), especially if you take more than what is prescribed or mix it with alcohol, opioids, or other substances.
• Safe Ambien dosing is key. Typical doses range from 5 - 10 mg; exceeding your prescribed dosage significantly increases the risk of serious side effects and overdose.
• Overdose symptoms can be severe, like headaches, vomiting, extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing or heart rate, atypical behaviors (sleep-walking or sleep-driving), seizures, or coma.
• Ambien overdose treatment focuses on supportive care, such as monitoring vital signs, IV fluids, and avoiding other sedatives; medications like flumazenil may be used cautiously in some cases.
• Ambien can be addictive, and long-term misuse raises the risk of dependence and overdose. Structured treatment and ongoing recovery decrease this risk significantly.

Ambien (zolpidem) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription sedative that is used to treat insomnia. It comes in two versions: an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release tablet (Ambien CR).

The immediate-release is known for its immediate efficacy; in the sense, you fall asleep as soon as you lie down. The extended-release has two layers: the first layer will help you fall asleep, and the second layer helps you stay asleep.

The FDA recommends an Ambien dosage of 5mg for women and 5mg - 10 mg for men before you go to bed, and provided you set aside at least 7-8 hours of sleep.

The common Ambien dosage ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg. Say you have been prescribed 10 mg, and you take 20 mg, this will be too much for you. So, you must only take Ambien as per your doctor’s prescription and directives.

If you take too much Ambien than what is prescribed, you will have to watch out for the side effects and contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.

If you take more Ambien than prescribed, you are likely to experience some of the intense side effects of too much Ambien, such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Impaired judgment
• Memory troubles
• Impaired coordination
• Sleep walking
• Allergic reactions
• Breathing difficulties
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

If anybody is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, reach out to national helplines like 9-8-8 immediately. This can be a life-saving move.

While Ambien is a prescription medication, an Ambien overdose can happen. Zolpidem is a “Z-drug” - meaning it is a non-benzodiazepine sleep medication. It is commonly prescribed with opioids, which raises the risk of an overdose. Even if Ambien is consumed more than what is prescribed or mixed with other substances like alcohol, overdose becomes a huge risk.

If you overdose on Ambien, some of the Ambien overdose symptoms to look out for are:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness
• Impaired judgment
• Impaired coordination
• Memory troubles
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Vomiting
• Aggressive behaviors
• Sleep-walking
• Sleep-driving
• Seizures (rare)
• Impaired consciousness or coma.

If you suspect any of these symptoms, call emergency services like 9-1-1 immediately. Keep the person awake and avoid giving any other sedatives or alcohol.

For Ambien overdose treatment, doctors focus on supportive care to keep the person safe. This will typically involve washing out the stomach and administering IV fluids. A medication called flumazenil is known to reduce the sedative-hypnotic effects of zolpidem, but it may also lead to serious side effects like seizures.

Vitals like breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and other signs are closely monitored. Low BP and effects on the nervous system are observed and treated as needed. Doctors look for other drugs that were taken at the same time, and any other kind of sedatives are avoided.

One of the main reasons why Ambien overdose remains a huge risk is that it is highly addictive. It triggers the same receptors in the brain as benzodiazepines, and chronic Ambien misuse increases the risk of a substance use disorder and dependence.

Ambien addiction is treated with psychotherapy, peer support, lifestyle modifications, aftercare planning, and sober living.

Ambien addiction can be treated in a residential setting or an outpatient setting with partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs.

Aftercare planning and sober living help sustain a lasting recovery, so that you can lead a life that is healthier, fulfilling, and free of all substances.

If you are struggling with Ambien use, reach out to Design For Recovery today! We provide safe, substance-free sober living homes where you can relax and strengthen your recovery with a sober community by your side. We also connect you with rehab centers and specialists for your more immediate needs.

Please do not hesitate to call us at (888) 891-5560 to speak with our team today!