Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, Causes and Treatment

1. Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal
2. Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal
3. Withdrawal Symptom Severity
4. Treatment for Ambien Withdrawal
5. Inpatient Ambien Treatment vs. Outpatient Program
6. How to Care for Someone Going Through Withdrawal?

What is Ambien? Are There Withdrawals from Ambien Use?

Ambien induces sleep by slowing brain activity. Ambien also alters other realms of functioning such as memory, self-awareness, personal care and contact with others, for example. Ambien's effects upon the brain can be prolonged even after withdrawal.

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien increases GABA activity in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that dampens the effects of other brain chemicals and allows us to fall asleep. It also reduces the brain's ability to self-regulate neurotransmitter activity. Consequently, Ambien becomes 'necessary' for one to feel normal.

Ambien withdrawal symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Common determining factors are the usual amount taken, how frequently and for what period. Heavy, frequent and/or prolonged use typically causes the most uncomfortable withdrawal effects. More severe abuse suggests a greater reliance upon Ambien to cope with life's demands and environmental stressors.

As a result, psychological issues also contribute to the distress of withdrawal. These issues can include a wide range of problems such as:

• Depression.
• Anxiety and other psychiatric symptoms and conditions.
• Relationship problems, loss, and grief or stress and trauma, for example.
• If Ambien has been used to 'dull' the impact of such issues, discontinuing Ambien will allow these issues to 'surface.'

A significant feature of Ambien withdrawal treatment is the mobilization of hope that the withdrawal process can be successfully completed and that recovery is possible. If you need more information on the causes and signs of Ambien withdrawal, please call us at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? today.

Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal

Typically, withdrawal symptoms begin within 24-72 hours after the last dose of Ambien.

Withdrawal Symptom Severity

Abrupt Ambien withdrawal can be dangerous. This is especially true for those who have abused Ambien beyond two weeks and/or have done so consistently in large amounts.

• Co-existing health problems such as seizure disorder, cardiac or respiratory conditions, and psychiatric disorders can be exacerbated during withdrawal.
• Seizure and death are risks for anyone abruptly discontinuing use.

It is vital that you or your loved one consult with your prescriber or an addiction professional if you plan to withdraw from Ambien. You can call an addiction support team member to discuss safe treatment options, 24 hours a day, at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers?.

Treatment for Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien withdrawal treatment requires a careful plan of action to prevent serious withdrawal effects and to ensure safety. Medical supervision and monitoring is important in every case. A treatment plan for you or your loved one should be made with an addiction professional.

Withdrawal treatment can include a gradual decrease in the dosage of Ambien (tapering), the use of other medications to ease tapering or to serve as a less harmful and temporary substitute. Monitoring of withdrawal effects, as well as emotional and psychological support, is important in the safe and successful completion of withdrawal.

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  Support therapies such as individual and group counseling, self-help groups, and education, can help ease the anxiety and fear that most have about withdrawing from Ambien. They help facilitate use of coping strategies, an understanding of the process and a collaborative effort with caregivers.

Inpatient Ambien Treatment vs. Outpatient Program

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  The safest method for Ambien withdrawal is an inpatient setting in which your reactions can be closely monitored and intensive support can be provided.For those who have used Ambien at a high frequency over a long period, serious or life-endangering reactions can occur when Ambien is discontinued. A therapeutic setting supports recovery efforts and lowers the risk of return to use when withdrawal symptoms are experienced.

Some can withdraw safely in outpatient monitoring with a tapering regimen recommended and supervised by a doctor.

How to Care for Someone Going Through Withdrawal?

Ambien withdrawal symptoms require medical attention.

• It is recommended that you talk with your loved one about seeking medical supervision for a safe and supported withdrawal.
• Withdrawal reactions can be mild, moderate or severe and complicate other health issues.

If signs of distress occur, obtain emergency medical attention for your loved one.

• Remember that psychiatric symptoms such as indications of danger to self or others, disorientation, and hallucinations or delusions also constitute a medical emergency.

If your loved one enters treatment for withdrawal, be supportive and participate as invited and recommended by the attending healthcare professionals. Keep in mind that withdrawal is the first step toward recovery.