5 Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms That Pose Serious Health Risks
When used correctly, Ambien is effective at treating chronic insomnia and helping you fall asleep. But when you abuse the sleep aid by using too much, you can become physically dependent on the drug, and go into withdrawal immediately upon quitting. Some Ambien withdrawal symptoms pose major health risks, which is why you should avoid quitting cold turkey at all costs.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to Ambien or another sleep aid, understand that help is available and nearby. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to speak to an addiction specialist about your options for drug rehab and detox centers.
Addiction experts recommend quitting Ambien with help and medical supervision at a drug rehab or detox center. This helps you avoid complications that could arise when quitting Ambien abruptly on your own.
Here are five Ambien withdrawal symptoms that can have serious adverse effects on your health.
1. Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are potential Ambien withdrawal symptoms.
Quitting Ambien can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression for several reasons. First, you may feel anxious and depressed about quitting and trying to overcome addiction. Or, you may have been using Ambien to self-medicate for anxiety and depression, and now these mental illnesses are left unrelieved.
Anxiety and depression can lead to worsened mental health issues, and increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and suicide. Fortunately, many rehab centers treat anxiety and depression at the same time as addiction.
2. Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common withdrawal symptoms of Ambien. Excess vomiting for an extended period of time can lead to loss of water and electrolytes — both of which are essential for healthy, normal bodily function. Vomiting can also lead to dehydration if you’re not replenishing electrolytes and fluids.
3. Rapid Heart Rate
Quitting Ambien abruptly can cause your heart rate to suddenly spike as your body tries rebalancing itself after being physically dependent on the sleep aid. Rapid heart rate can increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and death.
4. Rebound Insomnia
Rebound insomnia is roughly defined as the insomnia you experience when quitting sleep aids abruptly. Lack of sleep puts excess physical stress on your body, and increases the risk for illness and injury. When combined with other withdrawal symptoms, rebound insomnia can put your health and life in jeopardy.
5. Seizures
Seizures from Ambien withdrawal are rare, but can occur as your brain chemicals attempt to rebalance after quitting use. Heavy addicts and long-term users are often at higher risk for seizures when quitting Ambien cold turkey.
Ambien addiction is commonly treated using a tapering method, which is when doctors gradually reduce your dose of Ambien until you are no longer physically dependent on the drug. After you overcome physical dependency on Ambien, your doctors may recommend counseling and therapy, which can help you overcome underlying causes of addiction such as trauma or mental illness.
If you or someone you love is quitting Ambien, get help at a drug rehab center to avoid experiencing life-threatening Ambien withdrawal symptoms. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to learn more about drug detox centers that can safely help you overcome Ambien addiction.
