Ambien Addiction and Abuse - The Gamma Pharmacy

The Gamma Pharmacy

Addiction to Ambien

Ambien is in a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. Ambien works by activating the neurotransmitter, GABA, which slows down the brain and the central nervous system. Ambien is used to treat insomnia but is only intended for short-term use. There are two forms of Ambien, a quick release form that is helpful for initiating sleep and an extended release form that is helpful for maintaining sleep.

This non-benzodiazepine “z-drug” was designed to have the same medical effectiveness as benzodiazepines like Xanax without the same hazardous and habit-forming properties those drugs are known for. The makers of Ambien designed and marketed the drug as a less addictive alternative to benzos for people with acute insomnia. However, while it generally takes users longer to develop an addiction to Ambien than to Benzos and withdrawal from Ambien is generally less severe and dangerous than Benzo withdrawal, Ambien is still an addictive substance. In fact, it is now recognized that Ambien has a very similar potential for abuse as Benzos.

A physical dependence to Ambien can form in as little as two weeks, whether the user is following a prescription or abusing the drug. Ambien dependence is characterized by tolerance, whereby the user requires larger amounts of the substance to feel the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms which appear if the user stops taking the drug or reducing their dosage. Eventually, Ambien dependence may become a full-blown addiction, which is characterized by tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, impaired control over use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and cravings. Many people don’t know they have a problem until they stop taking the drug and realize they cannot sleep without it.

Signs of an Ambien addiction include:

Refilling prescriptions unusually often
Repeatedly taking larger doses than prescribed
Experiencing cravings for Ambien
Engaging in dangerous situations without any memory of them later
Spending large amounts of money on the drug
Isolating oneself from family and friends

Most Ambien addictions begin with a simple case of short-term insomnia. Some users underestimate the addictive potential of Ambien because it’s prescribed by a doctor and they only use it to help them sleep. Ambien becomes less and less effective after taking it for more than a couple weeks. At this point, some users can’t stop taking the drug because their insomnia is even worse — they are incapable of sleeping without Ambien.

Before long I needed to take a pill every night. If I tried to fall asleep naturally, I would have what’s called “rebound insomnia,” meaning I would be up all night as a result of taking the drug the night before.