Ambien Withdrawal: Treatment and Symptoms

Abruptly stopping the use of Ambien triggers withdrawal. A sedative, anxiolytic, and hypnotic drug, Ambien is usually prescribed for insomnia. Taking it in high doses or for more than a few weeks can cause addiction. Addiction to alcohol or other drugs can increase your risks of Ambien addiction.

Within a few hours of the last dose, Ambien withdrawal symptoms can start. Without getting medical help, symptoms may not relent without taking more. The drug stops acting on your body after 1.4 to 4.5 hours. Withdrawals start soon after. The longer you use Ambien, the harsher the withdrawal symptoms will be.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Daytime drowsiness
• Lack of coordination
• Amnesia
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Falls
• Vomiting and nausea

More rare withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Vertigo
• Insomnia
• Body pain
• Abnormal dreams
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms

How long does ambien withdrawal last?

Withdrawal side effects can last as long as the detox process itself. There is no medically approved withdrawal timeline, but most side effects don’t outlast a few weeks past detox. The dosage, frequency, and patient’s body all impact the length of withdrawal.

Is it safe to detox from Ambien at home?

Patients who want to try home remedies to detox should talk to a doctor first. Your doctor may recommend self-withdrawal or supervised detox depending on your circumstances. Self-withdrawal may not relieve your side effects. A detox center has the medical knowledge to offer relief from side effects while you get clean.

Ambien Detox Treatment

Detoxification starts the withdrawal treatment process. Detoxing means halting all Ambien use. Doing so will begin the withdrawal process and you will start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms can be severe if the patient has been on the drug for a long time. As a result, medical supervision or professional detox is your best bet for a safe withdrawal and detox experience.

Detox facilities protect patients medically, but they also treat the psychological impacts of addiction and withdrawal. Patients can achieve Ambien detox on an outpatient basis as well, but the process can take as long as four weeks and without close monitoring. Medical detox treats withdrawal symptoms by hydrating the patient and maintaining good health with vitamins and supplements. Detoxing takes about seven days. A longer-term rehab program ideally comes next.

Recovery and rehabilitation from Ambien addiction start after detox is over and withdrawal symptoms pass. Patients move on to outpatient addiction counseling or residential treatment in a rehab center. Physical and emotional health, as well as employment obligations, impact which treatment is best.