Quitting Ambien: What To Expect and How To Do It Safely
You’ve been following the same nighttime routine for months: change into your PJs, use the bathroom, brush your teeth, make sure you have a glass of water on your night table, go to bed, take your sleeping tablet, and fall asleep soundly.
That’s exactly what you were planning to do the other night — until you realized you’d run out of Ambien. You tried to sleep, but it turned into the first of many sleepless nights until you were able to get a refill.
You felt so relieved when you finally had it again — but you also started to wonder if you might be developing a dependency on the pill.
You’re not alone. Many people like you find themselves wondering: What’s happening to my sleep habits? Will I ever be able to sleep without Ambien? Is there a way I can quit?
Keep reading to learn more about what Ambien is, how hard it can be to stop, how you can quit, and answers to common questions about the process.
Table of Contents
- What Is Ambien?
- Is Ambien Hard To Get off Of?
- Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
- How Can I Get off Ambien?
- FAQs About Quitting Ambien
- Find Freedom From Ambien With Support at Dove Recovery
Ambien, the brand name for zolpidem, is a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia.There are two forms of Ambien: the immediate-release tablet and the extended-release version, Ambien CR. The immediate-release tablet helps people fall asleep at bedtime. Ambien CR has two layers — the first helps with falling asleep, and the second helps with staying asleep.
While Ambien can be an effective solution for treating insomnia, it may have some side effects (as with any other medication). Some side effects may be mild, while others may be more severe. Here are some possible side effects linked to Ambien:
Minor side effects:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness
- Loss of coordination
- Digestive issues (changes in bowel movements, upset stomach, or abdominal pain)
- Headache
- Muscle pain
Serious side effects:
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeat,
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Complex sleep behaviors
- Next-day impairment
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Overdose
- Misuse, addiction, and withdrawal
Ambien can be difficult to get off of for some people, especially if they've used it long-term or taken high doses of it. Some people develop the habit of taking Ambien because they’re afraid they won’t be able to sleep without it; others use Ambien recreationally, and others may begin to depend on it unintentionally and need to increase their dose to achieve the same effect. No matter the case, stopping Ambien may cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of insomnia, making it even more difficult to discontinue without medical advice.
People who decide to suddenly stop taking Ambien may suffer withdrawal symptoms. They can start experiencing these symptoms right after they’ve stopped, usually within two days, but the most intense part of withdrawal often happens by the third day. Depending on the amount of Ambien people have taken and how long they’ve used it, withdrawal symptoms can last one or two weeks.
Some of the most common Ambien withdrawal symptoms might include:
- Anxiety
- Sleep difficulty
- Trembling, involuntary shaking
- Rapid heart rate
- Faster breathing
- Digestive issues
- Hallucinations
- Altered mental state
- Seizures
- Panic episodes
- Tiredness
- Flushing
- Emotional outbursts
- Mood changes
- Irritability
Discontinuing Ambien is possible when done carefully and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It’s advised to get off Ambien by gradually reducing the dosage while monitored by your physician, healthcare professional, or addiction specialist.
At Dove Recovery, we understand that getting off Ambien can be distressing and uncertain; we offer treatment with evidence-based professional care. Our team is ready to support you as you work to recover your sleep, peace, and long-term healing.
How To Wean off Ambien
Weaning or tapering a drug means stopping the usage progressively.
Due to the habit-forming nature of Ambien, it can be difficult for some people to stop using it, and they are very likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Hence, it is advisable to follow a tapered dosing regimen to gradually discontinue the medication. Adhering to this kind of routine will make withdrawal symptoms milder and help you get off the drug completely.
It’s recommended that you speak with your physician if you want to taper off Ambien. Your doctor will provide you with a specialized schedule tailored to your specific situation, the duration of your Ambien use, and the dosage you’ve been taking in addition to monitoring your progress frequently to assess any potential negative effects.
Below is an example of how to taper Ambien. However, it may take longer for some people to discontinue Ambien, depending on their progress. The taper schedule can be adjusted or extended to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Adjusted Tapering Schedule Example:
Day 1: Start with 20 mg.
Day 3: Reduce dose by 5 mg to 15 mg.
Day 6: Reduce dose by another 5 mg to 10 mg.
Day 9: Reduce dose by 5 mg to 5 mg.
Day 12: Discontinue medication, depending on the patient’s progress.
Detox and Withdrawal Management Treatments for Ambien
As mentioned above, some people find it difficult and unpleasant to wean off Ambien, especially due to the challenges that can arise during the process. A detox and withdrawal management program can be a good solution for them, as it provides the benefits of detoxification while allowing for close monitoring of any withdrawal symptoms that may occur.
Following such treatment can be beneficial because:
- Patients are going through detox in a controlled and supervised environment, which minimizes health problems.
- Staff are trained to monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms as patients experience them. They can also provide medication or care to reduce discomfort and prevent adverse effects.
- Patients can benefit from personalized tapering schedules according to their individual medical history.
- Mental health professionals are available to support patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms like rebound insomnia, anxiety, or depression, and to suggest healthy coping mechanisms.
- Patients are supported during the most difficult stages of the process, when there’s a higher risk of relapse.
- After detox, rehabilitation, therapy, or outpatient care can be provided for patients to continue their recovery plan.
If you’re looking for a trusted path to quitting Ambien for yourself or a loved one, take the first step with Dove Recovery, where our team of compassionate professionals is ready to guide you with personalized, evidence-based care.
Does Ambien Need To Be Tapered?
Tapering Ambien is highly recommended, especially if it has been taken for a long time and in high doses.
Tapering Ambien can help reduce severe withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and seizures. It can also reduce the possibility of developing insomnia again. Additionally, tapering Ambien can help prevent any emotional or psychological attachment to this medicine.
Will My Insomnia Come Back After Stopping Ambien?
Rebound insomnia is possible after quitting Ambien. However, it’s only temporary in most cases, especially if it has been tapered under the guidance of professionals and healthy sleeping habits are in place.
The type of insomnia can also be a factor to consider if you’re trying to stop using Ambien. For example, if there’s an underlying chronic sleep issue, that problem might reappear, but if insomnia was short-term, it may not return at all.
Should I Replace Ambien With Another Sleep Aid?
Sometimes it’s necessary to replace Ambien with other medicines, but not always. Such a decision depends on different factors, including the reasons why Ambien was being taken, what kind of insomnia the person experienced, if the cause of the sleeping problem has been solved, and the risk of developing dependence on other drugs.
It’s always important to consult with your healthcare provider or recovery team about whether replacing Ambien with another sleeping aid is appropriate.
Can Therapy Help With Ambien Dependency?
Therapy can help with Ambien dependency; it’s generally one of the most effective ways to quit and stay off Ambien.
It also helps identify the root cause of the sleeping problem. Additionally, specific approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), retrain the brain to sleep naturally, challenge unhealthy beliefs, and support the development of healthy sleep habits.
These methods are also effective in managing sleep anxiety, mood swings, and psychological dependence.
Is Professional Support Necessary To Quit Ambien?
Receiving the support of a professional team when quitting Ambien is highly recommended, especially if it has been taken for an extended period of time. A proper team can help manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and support any mental health issues related to the quitting process.
At Dove Recovery, we’re dedicated to providing support and guidance so our patients can successfully overcome their dependence on certain medications.
If you or a loved one are looking to quit Ambien, our team is here to support you with personalized plans, medical care, and practical tools to help make the process more manageable.
Contact us today to discover how our programs can assist you throughout this process.