Is Ambien a Narcotic?
Ambien, the brand name for the drug zolpidem, is commonly used to combat sleeplessness. To be clear, Ambien is not a narcotic but instead falls within the category of sedative-hypnotics. In this post, we’ll look at what Ambien is, why it’s not a narcotic, and the risks of taking Ambien, including the possibility of addiction.
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What Is Ambien (Zolpidem)?
Ambien is a prescription drug to treat sleep problems, most commonly insomnia. It is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, like valium. Ambien is a sleep aid that works by calming the central nervous system so that it’s simpler to nod off and remain asleep.
Why Isn’t Ambien a Narcotic?
Ambien is not a narcotic because it is classified as a sedative-hypnotic. Opioid drugs, often called ” narcotics, ” have various effects and indications. Since it does not include opioids or cause the same pain-relieving effects as narcotics, Ambien does not qualify as one of these drugs.
Risks of Ambien Use
While Ambien isn’t a narcotic, it’s not without risks. Ambien can significantly lead to dependence and addiction when misused or for an extended period. Some potential risks associated with Ambien use include:
- Dependence: Continued use of Ambien can lead to physical and psychological dependence, where individuals may feel unable to sleep without the medication.
- Tolerance: Over time, some users may develop a tolerance to Ambien, requiring higher doses to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects.
- Withdrawal: Discontinuing Ambien after regular use can result in withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, and irritability.
- Misuse and Abuse: Some individuals misuse Ambien by taking higher doses or using it for non-medical purposes to achieve a euphoric effect.
- Complex Sleep Behaviors: Ambien has been associated with incidents of sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other complex sleep-related behaviors.
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Ambien Classification
Ambien, also known by its generic name Zolpidem, is a sedative-hypnotic medication primarily used to treat insomnia. It is classified as a non-benzodiazepine sleep aid.
Ambien Uses
Ambien is prescribed to help individuals with sleep disorders, particularly those with difficulty falling asleep. It is a short-acting medication that can assist in initiating sleep.
How Ambien Works
Ambien affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting relaxation and drowsiness. It shortens the time it takes to fall asleep and extends sleep duration.
Is Ambien a Narcotic?
No, Ambien is not classified as a narcotic. It belongs to a different drug class known as sedative-hypnotics, which have a different mechanism of action.
Addiction Potential
While Ambien is not a narcotic, it can be habit-forming if not prescribed. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations to avoid potential dependence.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Ambien may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and changes in taste. More severe side effects are rare but possible.
Dosage and Administration
Ambien should be taken precisely as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is typically recommended for short-term use, usually no more than 7-10 days.
Safety Precautions
Ambien should not be combined with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness. It should only be used by the person prescribed it and under medical supervision.
Withdrawal and Discontinuation
To minimize potential withdrawal symptoms, discontinuing Ambien should be done gradually under a doctor’s guidance.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance if you have concerns about Ambien, its use, or potential side effects.
Ambien Narcotic Statistics
In 2013, Zolpidem (Ambien) was widely prescribed for insomnia, ranking as the fourth most prescribed psychiatric drug. It acts on GABA receptors but has limitations like short-term use, lower doses for older adults and women due to higher blood concentrations, and increased risks when combined with other CNS-depressant drugs. A study analyzed its usage patterns about these precautions using national prescription medication data.
5 mg/day
5 mg/day is recommended for those 65 years or older
Source:
45% to 50%
Women are advised to start with a lower dose due to 45% to 50% higher blood concentrations.
Source:
4th
Zolpidem (Ambien) was the fourth most prescribed psychiatric drug in 2013.
Source:
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Can you Get High on Ambien?
Ambien (or zolpidem, its generic name) can be abused this way despite not being a recreational drug. People with insomnia often take Ambien, a sedative-hypnotic medicine, to help them get to sleep. It can be a helpful sleep aid if used as directed and monitored by a doctor.
However, exhilaration and altered consciousness (a “high”) might result when using Ambien recreationally or in higher amounts than recommended. Misuse of Ambien for these purposes is possible and has potentially disastrous consequences.
Addiction, impaired judgment, memory lapses, and dangerous behaviors are just some of the adverse outcomes that can result from Ambien abuse. It is unsafe and not encouraged to use Ambien in any way other than what has been prescribed by a medical practitioner. Getting help from a medical professional or an addiction specialist is critical if you or someone you know is battling Ambien misuse or addiction.
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Withdrawing from Ambien can be an arduous journey to navigate alone. Numerous individuals face relapses during withdrawal as they try to ease symptoms and cravings. Yet, you can effectively manage withdrawal symptoms and achieve recovery through detox, rehab therapy, and a strong support network at We Level Up treatment centers. Contact a We Level Up treatment expert today if you need help on your rehab path. Your call is both free and confidential.
Ambien Abuse
Ambien, a prescription medication primarily prescribed for insomnia, is not immune to misuse and abuse. The sedative effects that make it effective in promoting sleep can also lead to its recreational use. Ambien abuse involves taking the medication in higher doses or for longer durations than prescribed, often to achieve a sense of euphoria or relaxation.
Common signs of Ambien abuse include:
- Taking higher doses: Individuals may take more Ambien than prescribed, hoping to intensify the sedative effects.
- Long-term use: Using Ambien for extended periods beyond the recommended duration can indicate a problem.
- Craving: Feeling a strong desire or craving for Ambien, even when it’s not necessary for sleep.
- Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions for Ambien.
- Social and occupational disruption: Ambien abuse can interfere with daily life, affecting work, relationships, and social activities.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing discomfort or anxiety when attempting to reduce Ambien use.
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeated efforts to stop using Ambien without success.
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Ambien addiction can be a complex and challenging journey, and we’re here to provide comprehensive support.
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Most Popular Is Ambien a Narcotic FAQ
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Why is Ambien a narcotic?
Ambien is not classified as a narcotic. It is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. Ambien’s active ingredient, zolpidem, affects certain brain chemicals to help individuals with insomnia fall asleep.
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Is the sleeping pill Ambien a narcotic? Is Ambien narcotic?
No, Ambien is not classified as a narcotic. Ambien is a prescription medication that falls under the category of sedative-hypnotics. Its active ingredient is zolpidem, which works on certain brain chemicals to help individuals with insomnia fall asleep. While Ambien is used to treat sleep disorders, it is not considered a narcotic, which typically refers to opioid-based drugs used for pain management.
It can have a higher potential for abuse and addiction. Ambien should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional to address sleep issues and should not be misused.
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Is Ambien considered a narcotic? Is Ambien 10 mg a narcotic?
No, Ambien (zolpidem) is not a narcotic. Sedative-hypnotic Ambien treats insomnia. It helps people fall asleep by altering brain chemicals. Opioids like morphine, heroin, and prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone are considered narcotics. Painkillers with a different mechanism of action and misuse risk than Ambien.
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- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Taking Z-drugs for Insomnia? Know the Risks. Learn More: Is Ambien a Narcotic?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). 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. Learn More: Is Ambien a Narcotic?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Questions and Answers: Risk of next-morning impairment after use of insomnia drugs; FDA requires lower recommended doses for certain drugs containing zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist). Learn More: Is Ambien a Narcotic?
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- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Learn More: Is Ambien a Narcotic?
- Haji Seyed Javadi, S. A., Hajiali, F., & Nassiri-Asl, M. (2014). Zolpidem dependency and withdrawal seizure: a case report study. Iranian Red Crescent medical journal, 16(11), e19926.
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