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Zolpidem, which is more commonly known as Ambien (its brand name), is a type of prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It helps individuals to fall asleep faster and while it can be very effective in the short-term, it carries a huge risk when misused. This includes misuse, addiction and a series of dangerous side effects.
Therefore, for those prescribed zolpidem and their families and caregivers, it’s essential to understand how the drug works, its risks and how to use it safely. Here, we explore what zolpidem is, its uses, the potential for addiction and misuse, and the essential precautions to avoid serious harm.
What is Zolpidem and How Does It Work?
Zolpidem is a type of sedative-hypnotic medication that is most commonly used for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, often referred to as Z drugs. These drugs were originally developed to provide sleep-inducing effects associated with benzodiazepines without some of the same risks as daytime sleepiness or cognitive impairment.
Zolpidem works by affecting the brain’s receptors responsible for sleep. It binds to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. This reduces the brain’s activity and promotes relaxation, inducing a calm state, and making it easier for individuals to fall asleep.
Unlike benzodiazepines, which have a bigger and broader effect on the brain’s receptors, zolpidem selectively targets the GABA-A receptors associated with sleep. This means zolpidem is an effective sleep treatment without causing much sedation during daytime hours. However, despite this benefit, zolpidem still has several risks.
Can Zolpidem Be Addictive?
Yes, zolpidem can be very addictive even when it is taken as prescribed. It is intended for short-term use, typically no longer than four weeks but some individuals unfortunately develop a tolerance to the drug, resulting in dependence, misuse and addiction.
Over time, the body can become reliant on zolpidem to relax and fall asleep. As tolerance develops, individuals may feel like they need to take a higher dose to achieve the same effect. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of physical dependency. Many also find that they suffer from psychological dependence and begin to believe they can’t fall asleep without it. This can cause individuals to continue to use the drug even after it is medically needed.
While everyone is at risk of addiction, there are some people who may be at a higher risk of developing zolpidem addiction. This includes those who use zolpidem beyond the recommended duration, those who increase their dose without guidance and those who have a history of substance abuse.
The addictive nature of zolpidem is just one reason why so many modern doctors will only use it as a short-term solution. Prolonged use of the drug can even lead to anxiety, agitation and insomnia when stopping – known as withdrawal symptoms – and the very problems that the drug was meant to treat.
The Dangers of Zolpidem Misuse
While zolpidem use is generally considered safe when used in line with a doctor’s instructions, misuse of the drug can be very risky. Zolpidem misuse is when it is taken in higher doses than prescribed, for longer durations and in combination with other substances like alcohol and sedatives. Misusing zolpidem can result in a range of side effects, some of which can be very dangerous. This includes:
- Memory problems
- Impaired judgement
- Poor decision making
- Coordination issues and dizziness
- Sleepwalking, sleep driving and sleep eating
There is also a risk of overdose which occurs when too much of the drug is taken or when zolpidem is combined with other drugs that depress the central nervous system. This includes alcohol, opioids and benzodiazepines. When zolpidem is combined with these substances, the sedative effects can be increased, which slows down breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels and results in respiratory failure, coma and even death. Some of the most common signs of zolpidem overdose include severe drowsiness, breathing issues, loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness. If you believe that someone has overdosed, seek medical help immediately as zolpidem overdose is a life-threatening situation.
How to Use Zolpidem Safely
If you have been prescribed zolpidem, it is important to follow the instructions as stated by your doctor to avoid the risks of misuse, addiction and overdose. Here are some additional tips to help you use zolpidem responsibly.
- Follow the prescribed dosage – do not increase your dose or take it more frequently even if you feel like it isn’t working. Instead, talk to your doctor.
- Use it for short-term treatment – if your symptoms persist after four weeks, your doctor may suggest alternative treatment or medication.
- Avoid using zolpidem with alcohol or other sedatives – avoid mixing with opioids and benzodiazepines as this can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
- Do not drive or operate machinery – zolpidem can impair cognitive function and cause drowsiness so it’s important you stay safe.
- Store zolpidem safely – to prevent it from being misused by others, keep it stored away and never share your medication with anyone else.
Recognising the Signs of Zolpidem Dependency
If you or a loved one are taking zolpidem, it’s important to understand the signs of potential misuse and dependency. This includes needing to take a higher dose to achieve the same effects, taking zolpidem during the day, experiencing withdrawal symptoms and continuing to use zolpidem despite experiencing its negative consequences.
If any of these are present, you should seek help. Zolpidem addiction is a serious condition, but treatment options are available. What’s more, with a combination of therapy and the right team behind you, you will be able to overcome any addiction issues and rebuild your life with healthier coping mechanisms. All it takes is the first step and reaching out to a professional rehab clinic can provide you with the much-needed support required for recovery. For more information on how to seek treatment for zolpidem addiction, visit Rehab Clinics Group.
