Risks of Taking Improperly Prescribed Ambien
Ambien is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep medications in the world. It’s a trusted brand-name medication that many people take to help them fall asleep. But, is it really safe to take Ambien every night? Or is there a risk involved in taking it? If you’re considering taking Ambien, read through this article to learn more about the risks, as well as possible Ambien withdrawal symptoms.
What is Ambien?
Ambien is an insomnia and sleep aid drug manufactured by San Francisco-based corporation Insomnia Solutions LLC. It is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It is also used as a sedative and anesthetic in the treatment of insomnia, narcolepsy, and other sleep disorders.
Ambien is often taken by young adults to help them fall asleep and stay asleep. It is also prescribed to older adults to help them fall asleep after receiving chemotherapy, surgery, or other medical treatments, including anesthesia.
Ambien belongs to a group of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which are prescribed to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. These drugs act on different parts of the brain to make you feel drowsy, sleepy, and relaxed. It is often prescribed to treat insomnia, but it can also be used to help people relax or get to sleep when anxiety is making it hard to sleep or stay asleep.
Ambien Side Effects
The most common adverse effects of Ambien include drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, hallucinations, and a decreased sex drive. Side effects can be reduced or eliminated by taking the medication with food or milk. Other possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Sleepwalking
- Sleep talking
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking Ambien suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can last for one week after you stop taking the medication. The longer you’ve been taking Ambien, the longer it will take to come off the medication. Depending on your length of use and dosage, it may take a few weeks to a few months to come off of the drug.
Risks and Complications
There have been a few reports of people becoming addicted to Ambien, even though they don’t have insomnia or other sleep disorders. These people often have excessive uses of medication and report feeling fatigue, lethargy, and lack of motivation.
Risks that could lead to addiction include:
- Undiagnosed insomnia
- Other medical conditions that cause insomnia, such as depression or a physical condition like Parkinson’s disease
- Taking the medication at an incorrect dose or for a long period of time
- Excessive drinking or using illegal drugs while using
- Taking other medications that contain the same active ingredient as Ambien
Should You Take Ambien?
If you have insomnia, a sleep disorder, or are prescribed Ambien, talk to your doctor about how to best manage your condition with medication. Before starting any medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to take your medication safely.
Because Ambien has a high risk of dependence, it’s not recommended for everyone. If you’re looking for a sleep medication, consider other options that are safer and less likely to lead to dependence.
Sleep problems are common, but so are solutions. If you have insomnia or other sleep problems, talk to your doctor about safe ways to manage your condition. You may even be able to treat your sleep issues with lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine, avoiding late-night meals, and getting enough sleep each night.
Final Words: Is Ambien Safe to Take?
Like many sleep medications, Ambien is often prescribed to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. The risks of taking the drug, however, make it a sleep aid that is often used only in rare cases. If you’re prescribed Ambien, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid taking more than the prescribed amount. It’s also important not to drive or perform other activities that require you to be alert while taking it.
If you have questions about taking Ambien safely, talk to your doctor. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration’s website to learn more about the risks of taking this medication.
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