Since Ambien is a prescription medication, it is a myth to believe that it is impossible to overdose on this drug. Some people may be questioning whether you can overdose on Ambien, but is can occur. In fact, many people who are using this drug outside of a doctor’s recommendations may not realize the serious risks.

Long Term Health Effects of Ambien Abuse

It works by slowing the brain so that a person can more easily fall asleep. It’s prescribed to people with insomnia who struggle to fall or stay asleep. Ambien is widely prescribed, and because of this, larger amounts of the drug are available for misuse. Seeking guidance from a qualified healthcare professional is essential when considering the use of Ambien in combination with Buspirone. These experts have the knowledge and experience to provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual needs and medical history. Another potential risk when combining Ambien and Buspirone is respiratory impairment.

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If you or a loved one is addicted to Ambien, call Nova Recovery Center today. Our admissions team is standing by ready to receive your call and provide more information about Ambien treatment options. Outpatient rehab for Ambien addiction, like inpatient treatment, offers intensive group therapy to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. However, the main difference is that clients have the flexibility to live at home while they are enrolled in treatment. This allows for the ability to attend work, school, or sustain childcare duties and other responsibilities without neglecting addiction treatment.

It is important to understand how these medications work together to provide potential benefits for those who are dealing with certain conditions. It is not recommended to prescribe Ambien to anyone under the age of 18. There were 19,000 adolescents aged 12–17 who reported misuse of sedatives such as Ambien in 2017, which makes up 0.1% of the teenage population in the United States. Between 2005 and 2010, the number of women that visited the ER due to overmedication with Ambien rose 69% from 15,216 visits to 25,749. As a result, the FDA published revised dosing recommendations for Ambien in women in 2013, stating that women are more sensitive to the drug and take longer to clear it from their system. Ambien tablets should not be crushed up and the powder swallowed or administered under the tongue or by insufflating it through the nose (aka “snorting”).

Taking large quantities of depressants like Ambien is toxic to the system and may cause a deadly overdose. Ambien overdose is very commonly seen from polydrug use — when Ambien is used in conjunction with other prescription medications like opioids or benzodiazepines. At Recovery Guide, our mission is to connect as many individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders to reputable treatment facilities. With Ambien, alcohol is a popular and dangerous companion, as are benzodiazepines and opioid drugs. These drugs are strong CNS depressants which can cause the potentially life-threatening effects of Ambien to become more pronounced.

How Is Ambien Taken?

This risk is even greater if Ambien is taken with alcohol or other drugs that can depress breathing. In general, misusing sedative-hypnotics like Ambien should be considered very dangerous due to the risk of overdose. When you take more Ambien than prescribed or take the drug in a way that may intensify its effects (such as snorting it), it can begin to dangerously slow activity in the brain. Ambien, or zolpidem, is a medication prescribed to help those who struggle with insomnia sleep better. Sometimes, though, people use Ambien for reasons other than sleep – they might try snorting it to feel its effects more quickly or intensely.

What Happens if You Accidentally Take 2 Ambien?

However, for someone taking high doses of Ambien, it may be detectable in urine for up to 72 hours. With a blood test, Ambien is detectable for about 6 to 20 hours or up to 48 hours if a person is taking high doses. Even when used as intended, people taking Ambien sometimes engage in behaviors they otherwise would not have. So, if you’re tempted to snort Ambien for a quick high, think twice about the toll it could take on your nose. To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator.

  • Boca Recovery Center is here to provide the best quality care in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.
  • Detox can help you taper off the substance so your withdrawal symptoms aren’t too bad.
  • These sessions change the way a person thinks, feels and relates to the world around them in a positive way.

These effects can be scary, and they lead to a greater risk of developing substance use disorders or may exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with substance use and addiction, treatment options are available. Talk to one of our treatment specialists to learn about treatment programs that can help you live without drugs.

The extended-release form contains a higher dose of medication; this increases the drug’s can you snort ambian sedative effects. One popular way in which Ambien is abused is by mixing the substance with alcohol. People will drink while taking the medication to amplify the sedative effects of the medication, however, doing so is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of overdose. It is also just as dangerous to mix Ambien with other benzodiazepines like Valium, , or Halcion.

Ambien is available as an immediate release or extended release tablet, which is meant to be swallowed and absorbed through the body’s gastrointestinal system. It is meant to be taken right before bedtime and is more effective when taken on an empty stomach. The active ingredient in Ambien tablets, zolpidem, is also available for administration under the tongue (brand name Edluar) as well as an oral spray (brand name ZolpiMist). By being aware of these risk factors, people can make safer choices when it comes to using Ambien and reduce the likelihood of an overdose. Even though Ambien is generally safe when used correctly, taking too much, or using it alongside other substances can have fatal consequences. If you or someone you know is misusing Ambien, seek help before it leads to more serious health problems.

Side Effects of Being on Ambien

  • This fast absorption accelerates the onset of effects and increases the concentration of the drug in the body, which greatly raises the risk of overdose.
  • There are also some drugs that are just designed to be snorted, like cocaine.
  • Over the long-term, Ambien can cause severe behavioral changes, like suicidal thoughts and depression, as well as hallucinations.
  • Long-term side effects of Ambien can occur if a person uses it for longer than recommended.

If you recognize the signs of an Ambien overdose, get medical help as soon as possible. If someone is experiencing difficulty breathing, has lost consciousness, or is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in preventing permanent damage or death from an overdose. This page explores how zolpidem overdose can happen, what symptoms to watch for, and how to get help if you or a loved one is misusing prescription medications like Ambien. Drug abuse of any kind always comes with a risk of overdose, especially when taken in larger quantities than prescribed.

Getting someone help as soon as possible may be necessary for assisting a person who has become dependent on the drug as well as preventing a dangerous overdose. Once the immediate danger has passed, the person will be monitored closely to ensure they recover fully and don’t experience any lasting side effects. After stabilization, it’s often recommended that the individual seek addiction treatment to address any underlying issues that led to the overdose. Accidentally taking two Ambien pills can increase the risk of experiencing more intense side effects, but it does not always lead to an overdose.

Treatment for Ambien Addiction

In the event of an overdose, medical attention needs to be obtained right away. It is possible to use Ambien as it’s prescribed for medical sleep issues, but Ambien can also be abused. First, if someone is on Ambien without a prescription, that is always considered abuse. Also if someone is taking more than what’s directed by their doctor, they’re also regarded as having an Ambien abuse problem. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.

The breathtaking mountains surrounding our center are the perfect place to heal. Our magnificent location offers unique opportunities to reconnect with your true self and rediscover your love of life. Ambien is prescribed for chronic sleep disorders but too much of the drug can cause extreme drowsiness that can make an individual feel like they are drunk. Ambien abuse can cause people to participate in activities or have conversations that they cannot remember afterward. A possible overdose or seizures are medical situations that require immediate treatment.