Ambien (generic name: zolpidem) is a widely prescribed sleep pill to treat insomnia. It gets individuals sleepy earlier and sleeps longer. Although very effective on most, it also produces side effects some more than others.
One of the most common side effects of Ambien is drowsiness during the day. But there are several others one should know about. This blog will discuss the common and severe side effects of Ambien, safe usage, and how to obtain it from a reputable source.
Common Side Effects of Ambien
Daytime Drowsiness
The most prevalent side effect of Ambien is drowsiness in the morning. Most people are tired, sleepy, or drowsy the following day after taking the drug. This incapacitates your ability to perform activities of daily living such as driving or going to work.
To reduce this risk, only use Ambien when you have a chance to sleep the entire 7 to 8 hours. Do not use it late in the evening or while driving unless your doctor says it is okay.
Dizziness
First common side effects of Ambien is Dizziness. Dizziness or lightheadedness is another frequent problem. Ambien will blow your coordination and balance low so you can easily lose your footing.
This is most risky in the elderly. In order to prevent accidents or falls, take the drug in bed and stay there until the effect wears off.
Headaches
Other common side effects of Ambien is headaches Some individuals have headaches after taking Ambien. This either occurs immediately after the consumption of the drug or the following day. If you get frequent headaches, see your physician. You can be put on a lower dose or shifted to another sleeping disorder medication.
Mild stomach upset like nausea can happen when taking Ambien. It will disappear once your body gets used to the drug. Taking Ambien on an empty stomach may make this side effect less. But always call your doctor.
Dry Mouth
Some Ambien users have dry mouths. It makes your throat itchy or uncomfortable. You can treat dry mouth by drinking water, sugar-free chewing gum, or saliva substitute if instructed to do so by your doctor.
Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness or feeling of heaviness is another side effect you might feel. This is caused by the drug relaxing you enough in order to sleep better. If this lasts until the following day, see your doctor. A change in dose or medication is indicated.
Serious Side Effects and Risks
Sleepwalking and Sleep Behaviors
Ambien has a side effect of causing abnormal activities such as sleepwalking, eating, or driving at night. These are all carried out unconsciously to the patient and can be extremely risky. Discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately if you or someone you know acts unusually after taking Ambien.
Memory Issues
Short-term confusion or forgetfulness is also expected when taking Ambien. Individuals cannot remember conversation or activity that they had while being influenced by the effect of the drug. It is usually a state of poor sleep after sleeping with Ambien. Let yourself sleep for the whole night.
Mood Changes
Ambien also influences mood. Individuals undergo increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Hallucinations or suicide is extremely uncommon in such cases. Patients that experience abnormal mood swings must discontinue the drug and immediately see a healthcare provider.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, Ambien is capable of eliciting allergic reactions in certain patients. They may go through rash, itching, swelling, or shortness of breath. Seek medical help at once if you experience any of these symptoms after you have taken the drug.
Difficulty Breathing
The drug Ambien may lead to difficulty in breathing, particularly in people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or sleep apnea. Consult your physician before taking Ambien if you have any form of existing lung or respiratory disease.
Chest Pain or Heartbeat Irregularity
Although these are infrequent, a few patients have reported developing chest pain or an irregular heart rhythm. This is a symptom which requires medical attention. If you experience heart symptoms, call for medical help immediately and do not take Ambien until advised to do so.
Long-Term Use and Dependence
Risk of Addiction when used again and again
Ambien is to be used for a limited period only. Its frequent usage for extended periods can make you addicted in a way that your body becomes dependent on the drug to sleep. Later on, long term, it will be increasingly difficult to abstain from sleeping, and this can lead to a cycle of ongoing dependence and withdrawal when you discontinue it.
Tolerance
You may also become tolerant to Ambien so that the same dose no longer works. This causes people to use more, and this is dangerous. If Ambien is no longer working, talk to your doctor about it. Do not raise your dose on your own.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When you quit Ambien cold turkey after long-term use, withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, nervousness, or insomnia may occur. Physicians would rather have you taper off the dose in an attempt to prevent withdrawal.
Mental Dependence
Individuals become mentally dependent upon Ambien due to their perception that they would be unable to sleep without it. This will make it more difficult to cure insomnia in healthy manners. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is an acceptable replacement for long-term sleep health.
Impact on Sleep Quality
While Ambien will assist you in sleeping, it tends to interfere with normal sleeping patterns. If you use it for a long period of time, it tends to lower the quality of the deep stages of sleep. Sleep behaviors and habits therapies are usually better than just prolonged sleep wellness.
Rebound Insomnia
If you suddenly stop taking Ambien, your insomnia may return worse than ever. This is called rebound insomnia and may persist for several days. This can be achieved by tapering off the medication gradually under the guidance of a physician.
How to Purchase Ambien Online
To purchase Ambien online securely, you will need a prescription from a registered medical practitioner in advance. Never purchase from sites that don’t request a prescription from you. These sites sell counterfeit or dangerous drugs.
Always verify that the online pharmacy is licensed and in a good country. Make sure there are customer comments, proper contact details, and clear policies. You can also have your doctor refer to a safe online pharmacy.
Final Thoughts
Ambien is a good sleeping pill to use for the short term. But you should also aware with some common side effects of Ambien As with all medications, though, it does have side effects if used incorrectly. The most prevalent effect is waking up sleepy the day after using the pill, but there are more serious risks involved also.
Take Ambien just as directed. Discuss any side effects or issues with your doctor. And don’t forget, there are plenty of ways to sleep better that involve medication not at all.
FAQs
What is the most frequent side effect of Ambien?
The most frequent side effect is drowsiness or drowsiness during the daytime. It can interfere with your remaining wakefulness during the day.
Can Ambien cause memory issues?
Yes, Ambien does indeed cause short-term memory loss, particularly if you have disturbed sleep after taking it.
Is Ambien safe when used long term?
Ambien is typically prescribed for short-term use. Prolonged use can result in dependence, tolerance, and reduced quality of sleep.
How do I purchase Ambien safely online?
You may purchase Ambien online only from a licensed, prescription-only pharmacy. Do not purchase it from illicit sellers with no proper authorization or significantly lower than the others.
How do I obtain Ambien from a safe pharmacy?
To get Ambien safely, firstly, find a doctor who may prescribe it if needed. Then, show your prescription at a legitimate pharmacy online or offline that is inspected and safe for use.