{"id":2409,"date":"2023-07-20T05:04:36","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T05:04:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=2409"},"modified":"2025-02-07T12:21:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T12:21:16","slug":"withdrawal-detox","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ambien\/withdrawal-detox\/","title":{"rendered":"Withdrawal of Ambien"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. Learn more about Ambien withdrawal symptoms and detox.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ambien\/addiction\/\">Ambien<\/a>&nbsp;is a prescription sleep aid that is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">used to treat<\/a>&nbsp;insomnia. Because of its effects on the brain, Ambien can be addictive. If a person uses Ambien long-term or in ways other than as prescribed, there is a risk of becoming addicted or dependent on Ambien. When a person is dependent on Ambien, they need Ambien to function normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/sleeping-pills\/withdrawal-detox\/\">withdrawal<\/a> occurs when a person has an Ambien addiction, or is dependent on Ambien, and stops taking the drug. As their body adjusts to functioning without the drug in their system, the person will experience Ambien withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">What Causes Ambien Withdrawal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ambien\/\">Ambien<\/a>\u00a0works by regulating a specific neurotransmitter receptor in the brain, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This receptor suppresses the function of other pathways in the brain and central nervous system, allowing the person to relax and fall asleep. When the brain gets used to Ambien having this effect, it may become reliant on Ambien to function normally. When a person stops using Ambien and the brain needs to re-adjust, withdrawal symptoms can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien withdrawal&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">occurs when<\/a>&nbsp;a person has used Ambien for an extended period, either as prescribed or in ways other than prescribed. When Ambien is used as prescribed, for a short period, there is a low risk of withdrawal symptoms occurring. However, if a person uses Ambien for longer than recommended, they may experience withdrawal. A person who misuses Ambien by taking it through routes other than intended (such as snorting or injecting) or by using higher doses than recommended is at a greater risk for experiencing Ambien withdrawal if they stop using Ambien.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Ambien Withdrawal Schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">How long it takes for Ambien to wear off will vary from person to person. In general, the effects of Ambien will wear off within&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seven to eight hours<\/a>&nbsp;after taking it. If a person has been using Ambien long-term or in high doses, Ambien withdrawal might start within the first 48 hours after stopping Ambien use and can last for three to five days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">The Ambien withdrawal schedule will vary depending on how often the person used Ambien and how much Ambien they were using. Once the initial withdrawal symptoms have worn off, the person may experience additional withdrawal symptoms for one to two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien withdrawal symptoms can occur if a person has been using Ambien for a while and then stops using it. People that are using Ambien as prescribed will experience these symptoms&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1% of the time or less<\/a>. If higher doses of Ambien are being used or a person has used it for an extended period, withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur. The side effects of Ambien withdrawal include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Physical Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">High Blood Pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Stomach cramping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Flushing of the skin or blushing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Feeling lightheaded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Uncontrolled crying<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Abdominal cramps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/co-occurring-disorders\/anxiety-disorders\/\">Anxiety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Cravings for Ambien<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Panic attacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Nervousness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Delirium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Mood swings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Irritability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/co-occurring-disorders\/depression\/\">Depression<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Withdrawal Symptoms in the Elderly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien withdrawal symptoms in the elderly can be slightly different than how younger individuals experience them. Elderly people can be more susceptible to the effects of Ambien. A lower dose is usually recommended for them. They may develop impaired motor functions or cognitive performance. Elderly people tend to have weakness and increased susceptibility to falling when on Ambien. However, withdrawing from Ambien use can have positive withdrawal effects in this population. Studies have shown that withdrawal from Ambien can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4246488\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improve muscle strength and balance<\/a>&nbsp;in elderly people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4553654\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)<\/a>, also known as protracted withdrawal symptoms, occurs when a person experiences long-term withdrawal symptoms after stopping Ambien use. This syndrome usually only occurs in people who used Ambien chronically and in very large doses. The symptoms are typically psychological rather than physical, and can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Confusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Emotional outbursts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Aches and pains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Hallucinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Delusions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Insomnia relapse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\">Seizures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Protracted withdrawal symptoms are the same as PAWS, except that they last for months or even years instead of just weeks following the person stopping the use of the drug. Patients have described these symptoms as occurring in waves, mostly associated with the recurrence of insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Ambien Withdrawal and Death<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">While the withdrawal from Ambien can be uncomfortable, the chance of death from withdrawal is unlikely. There have been no published case reports of death from Ambien withdrawal, nor is it warned against on the FDA label. Death related to Ambien use is more likely to be associated with an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ambien\/ambien-overdose\/\">overdose<\/a>. Going through the withdrawal process, though uncomfortable, will lead to a healthier lifestyle in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">How Long Does Ambien Take to Wear Off?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">When a person is taking Ambien as prescribed, the effects of Ambien usually last between seven to eight hours, so a person taking Ambien should make sure they are able to get a full night\u2019s rest. If a person tries to wake up before the effects of Ambien have worn off, they may experience extreme drowsiness, or a \u201cdrugged\u201d feeling and should not drive or operate large machinery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">The effects may take longer to wear off in women than they do in men. In 2013, the FDA published&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-approves-new-label-changes-and-dosing-zolpidem-products-and\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">revised dosing recommendations<\/a>&nbsp;for Ambien in women, stating that women are more sensitive to the drug and take longer to clear it from their systems. As a result, the recommended dosing in women was decreased to 5 mg at first, with an increase to 10 mg if the lower dose doesn\u2019t work to relieve insomnia. However,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/26446253\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studies suggest<\/a>&nbsp;there is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/30939589\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">no difference<\/a>&nbsp;in the effects of Ambien between women and men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">In a person who is misusing Ambien or has taken Ambien chronically, the withdrawal symptoms may take longer to appear. Acute withdrawal symptoms will usually occur within 48 hours after stopping Ambien use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Treating Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">When Ambien withdrawal symptoms are too unbearable for a person to handle, they may use different treatment options to help them cope. In most cases, Ambien use will be tapered to slowly wean the person off of Ambien use, while trying to minimize withdrawal symptoms. If a person still experiences symptoms, other medications can be used to ease the withdrawal symptoms. This process should be accompanied by therapy and support throughout the withdrawal process to help the person avoid experiencing a setback and eventually successfully quit Ambien use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Ambien Detox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien detox is when a person is regularly taking Ambien but chooses to stop using it. As their body adjusts to not having Ambien in their system regularly, they will go through a detoxification or detox process. While going through&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/medical-detox\/\">detox<\/a>, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms that will be hard to deal with. This may make them want to continue using Ambien in order to avoid those withdrawal symptoms. The following are suggestions on how to safely detox from Ambien:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\" wp-block-list eplus-wrapper\">\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>What to Take for Ambien Withdrawal:<\/strong>&nbsp;A person going through Ambien withdrawal may be provided with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/medication-assisted-treatment\/\">medications<\/a>&nbsp;to help them cope with the withdrawal symptoms. This is typically done in an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/inpatient-rehab\/\">inpatient<\/a>&nbsp;setting so the person can be closely monitored by a medical professional who will administer the medications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\" eplus-wrapper\"><strong>Alternative Treatments for Ambien Withdrawal:<\/strong>&nbsp;A person who is going to quit taking Ambien should speak with a medical professional about how to do so safely. They can help the individual develop a plan that will work for them and give them resources to help them along the way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Detox Protocol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">There is no set Ambien detox protocol. The time it takes to undergo Ambien detox depends on how quickly a person is weaned from Ambien use. This is usually determined by the dose of Ambien the person is using and how often they are using it. A medical professional can help someone with Ambien addiction develop a plan where they taper Ambien use or use less and less of it over time until they are no longer using Ambien. Tapering helps lessen the withdrawal effects and allows the body to adjust to the absence of Ambien slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Outpatient Detox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/outpatient-rehab\/\">outpatient<\/a>&nbsp;detox centers allow people with Ambien use disorders to get the help they need without having to stay in an inpatient facility. During&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/outpatient-rehab\/\">outpatient<\/a>&nbsp;detox, the patient will be provided with cognitive and emotional support to wean off Ambien use. The medical professional will help the person develop a plan to taper Ambien use and provide the support they need to stick to the plan. The person may also participate in group therapy sessions for additional support during their recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Detox at Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Ambien detox at home may seem like an appealing option because the person can be comfortable in a familiar place. However, self-detox of Ambien at home is difficult and requires extreme self-control. When a person experiences the withdrawal symptoms of Ambien, they may be tempted to resume Ambien use. If there is no one there to help them, the chances are higher that a sobriety setback will occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\" wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper\">Cold Turkey Withdrawal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"eplus-wrapper wp-block-paragraph\">Cold turkey Ambien withdrawal is when someone suddenly stops taking Ambien and doesn\u2019t use it again, even if they experience withdrawal symptoms. Because of Ambien\u2019s effects on the central nervous system and changes that can occur with long-term use, suddenly stopping its use without allowing the nervous system to adjust can cause serious issues and can be dangerous. Quitting Ambien cold turkey increases the risk of seizure, which is usually a rare side effect of Ambien use.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. Learn more about Ambien withdrawal symptoms and detox. Ambien&nbsp;is a prescription sleep aid that is&nbsp;used to treat&nbsp;insomnia. Because of its effects on the brain, Ambien can be addictive. If a person uses Ambien long-term or in ways other than as prescribed, there is a risk of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11168,"parent":702,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[31],"tags":[43],"class_list":["post-2409","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ambien","tag-benzodiazepines"],"acf":{"written_by":317,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":313,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. <a href=\"\/research\/\">View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"<i>Last Updated<\/i> - <b>12\/29\/2022<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20221229","page_last_edit_date":"20221229","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling <a href=\"tel:8886480738\" > (561) 340-7269<\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"<strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Ambien withdrawal can occur when people who have been using Ambien for an extended period, or at higher doses than what was prescribed, stop using it<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ambien withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and in some cases severe<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ambien detox is the process of the body getting used to functioning without Ambien<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ambien detox is best done with supervision from a medical professional<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"<div id=\"A5qJfsqN\" class=\"accordion-container\">\r\n<div class=\"accordion-item-container\">\r\n\r\nFood and Drug Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2008\/019908s027lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ambien Prescribing Information<\/a>.\u201d April 23, 2008. Accessed August 8, 2019.\r\n\r\nNurminen, Janne; et al. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4246488\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handgrip strength and balance in older adults following withdrawal from long-term use of temazepam, zopiclone or zolpidem as hypnotics<\/a>.\u201d BMC Geriatrics, November 21, 2014. Accessed August 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nMelemis, Steven. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4553654\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery<\/a>.\u201d The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, September 2015. Accessed July 26, 2019.\r\n\r\nFood and Drug Administration. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-approves-new-label-changes-and-dosing-zolpidem-products-and\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA approves new label changes and dosing for zolpidem products and a recommendation to avoid driving the day after using Ambien CR<\/a>.\u201d May 14, 2013. Accessed August 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nGreenblatt, D.; Harmatz, J.; Roth, T. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/30939589\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zolpidem and Gender: Are Women Really At Risk?<\/a>\u201d Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, June 2019. Accessed August 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nRoehrs, T; Roth, T. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/26446253\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gender Differences in the Efficacy and Safety of Chronic Nightly Zolpidem.<\/a>\u201d Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, March 2016. Accessed August 10, 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>"},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":317},{"staff_member_title":"Medical Reviewer","select_staff_member":313}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2409"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2409\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/702"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/313"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/317"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11168"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}