Ambien Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, and Timeline

Ambien (zolpidem) is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia and sleep problems. It works by helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night, but it’s only intended for short-term use because it risks dependence and addiction with extended use or higher doses.

If you take Ambien for long periods and try to stop it, withdrawal can occur with potentially dangerous symptoms. Learn more about Ambien withdrawal signs, symptoms, and risks.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem, a sleeping pill used to treat chronic insomnia, a condition that causes trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. The dose is usually taken at bedtime to help you fall asleep.

Though Ambien has medical uses, it’s a Schedule IV controlled substance for its relatively low potential for substance abuse and dependence. However, taking Ambien at very high doses or for long periods can increase the risk of becoming addicted to the drug.

Some people misuse Ambien for its soothing properties, leading them to become dependent on the drug to sleep. Others may increase their dosage if they can’t fall asleep easily.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

Using Ambien for more than two weeks can build tolerance, meaning it may take more Ambien to get to sleep. The risk of developing dependence also increases if the drug is used regularly for longer than two weeks or misused at high doses.

Dependence happens when your body gets used to the presence of a drug and needs it to function. If you stop using it suddenly, withdrawal symptoms occur as the body readjusts to its absence.

The signs and symptoms of Ambien withdrawal can include:[1]

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate and breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Nervousness
• Panic attack
• Flushing
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Uncontrollable crying
• Stomach cramps
• Delirium
• In rare cases, seizures

Ambien Withdrawal Timeline

Ambien has a half-life of 2 hours.[2] The symptoms of withdrawal that occur with short-acting sedative-hypnotic medications like Ambien often start about 10-12 hours after the final dose. Physical symptoms usually reach their peak about 1-5 days after last use and gradually subside over the next few weeks with the withdrawal process.

If you take larger doses over a longer period, you’re more likely to experience intense symptoms. A typical dose of Ambien is 5 mg daily, but people struggling with Ambien misuse or addiction may take doses of 10 to 20 mg per day if not more.

Ambien CR, a controlled-release formula, can cause withdrawal symptoms that last longer. Ambien CR aims to keep people asleep, whereas regular Ambien is meant to help people fall asleep quickly. Ambien CR stays in the body longer than regular Ambien, so it takes longer to leave the body. Withdrawal symptoms occur in the interim.

Because of Ambien’s chemical similarities to benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax, the withdrawal symptoms of Ambien are similar to benzos. After the acute withdrawal period, which can last a few weeks, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can occur. This can last 18-24 months, depending on several factors, and may include symptoms like insomnia, poor concentration, increased anxiety, poor appetite, mood swings, irritability, and agitation.[3]

Factors That Affect Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien withdrawal symptoms and severity can differ by several factors, including:[4]

• The dosage: High dosages of Ambien for long periods can increase the likelihood of severe withdrawal
• The length of use: Using Ambien for shorter periods may have a lower risk of severe withdrawal
• Age: Older people may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms with Ambien
• Existing health conditions: If you have co-occurring physical or mental health problems, you may be at a higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms

Ambien Detox

Stopping Ambien use often involves a tapering down approach, gradually reducing your doses to allow the body to readjust to lower and lower doses.[5] A tapered detox treatment can prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.

It can take as few as two weeks to taper off Ambien, but some people may need more time and support. If this is the case, medically supervised detox for the Ambien withdrawal process may be recommended. This provides medical supervision and care to monitor the taper and your health, reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and prevent complications.

In some cases, zolpidem withdrawal may be managed by long-acting benzodiazepines like Valium. Because the withdrawal symptoms are similar between Ambien and Benzos, a long-acting benzodiazepine can ease the symptoms.

Can I Detox from Ambien at Home?

If you want to stop taking Ambien, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Quitting Ambien cold turkey on your own can cause adverse effects that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. It’s best to enter a medically managed detox to reduce the risks.

Treating Ambien Addiction

If you or a loved one is addicted to Ambien, it’s important to get help after medical detox. An Ambien addiction is classified as a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, which includes the following criteria:[6]

• Taking Ambien in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
•  A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from Ambien use
• Experiencing cravings for Ambien
• Recurrent Ambien use that causes a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, home, or school
• Continued Ambien use despite social or interpersonal problems caused by it
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of Ambien use
• Using Ambien in situations in which it is physically hazardous

Ambien addiction goes beyond physical dependence and withdrawal. It includes your psychological response and behavior with the drug, which requires a comprehensive substance abuse treatment plan.

Ambien addiction treatment is available in either an outpatient or an inpatient addiction treatment facility. Though treatment is individualized, you may undergo individual therapy, group counseling, and behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapies to understand the motivating factors in your addiction and learn healthier habits.

Get Help for Ambien Withdrawal

Quitting Ambien use after prolonged periods can cause uncomfortable and serious withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, rebound insomnia, and seizures. If you want to stop taking Ambien, it’s important to speak to your doctor about a taper schedule and medical detox.