Zolpidem Detox

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Zolpidem Detox

More commonly known by the brand name Ambien, zolpidem is a prescription drug used to induce sleep in those with insomnia.

Attempting to withdraw from this drug can be dangerous without the right assistance.

If you are currently struggling with zolpidem addiction, Rehab Recovery is here to help.

By calling us today on 0800 088 66 86, we can help to source local treatment centres that provide personalised treatment programmes.

What Is Zolpidem?

Zolpidem is a sleeping pill that boosts a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

This chemical then blocks some of the neurotransmitters in the brain, thus causing a calming and sedative effect, sending the user to sleep.

It is mostly prescribed to those with insomnia and who have a very hard time maintaining a sleep schedule or even sleeping at all.

Although zolpidem is a sedative, it can sometimes cause a surge of energy if abused at a high dose.

Abusing this drug is very dangerous as it can quickly cause feelings of drowsiness and confusion, which increase the risk of accidents and death.

Side Effects And Overdose

The most common side effects of zolpidem abuse are stomach pains, dizziness and headaches.

Whilst ‘z-drugs’ have less risk of overdose than benzodiazepines, it is certainly possible and can lead to brain damage, coma, or death.

Many people fail to see the addictive nature of zolpidem, because it is less likely to cause dependence than other sedatives.

However, this does not mean that zolpidem is not addictive.

Abusing this drug even once can cause a serious pattern of misuse to form, leading to addiction.

If you have been struggling with Ambien usage, and have been taking more than prescribed or using someone else’s prescription, we urge you to reach out.

Attempting to withdraw alone can be unpleasant and dangerous.

By entering a designated rehabilitation facility, you can detox with professional help every step of the way.

What Is A Zolpidem Detox?

Even those who take zolpidem for up to 2 weeks can start to build up a tolerance.

This means that when they stop taking the substance, they will feel withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body reacts to the cessation of drug consumption.

Without medical assistance, this can be very dangerous.

A personalised detoxification programme conducted at a private rehabilitation clinic will help you to overcome your dependence and break down your tolerance.

Gradual Detoxing

Usually, when an individual is detoxing from zolpidem their programme will consist of a tapered down approach.

By reducing the zolpidem dosage gradually, the body can begin to adjust to life without the drug.

Suddenly stopping your consumption and going ‘cold turkey’ can cause the body to go into dangerous reactions.

This means that withdrawal symptoms could be very heightened and painful.

The Detox Timeline

Detox in a rehabilitation facility usually lasts up to around 2 weeks to a month.

Every individual faces a unique set of circumstances, making it difficult to predict precisely how long detox will take.

Withdrawal symptoms from zolpidem typically begin at around 2 days into the detox and can gradually increase.

Around days 3-5, withdrawal symptoms are at their peak, after which they will begin to subside.

During this time in rehab, staff can prescribe medication to ease any unpleasantness.

Whilst detoxes are a challenging part of recovery, they will help your body to end all dependencies and reduce cravings.

Medications

When withdrawals are at their peak, some doctors prescribe diazepam to replace zolpidem.

Diazepam is known through the brand name, Valium.

It can be prescribed during this time to ease zolpidem withdrawal symptoms.

This is because zolpidem withdrawals are very similar to benzodiazepine withdrawals.

For those with severe addictions, this medication can help to reduce feelings of illness.

However, some medical professionals argue that prescribing diazepam will cause the user to substitute one substance for another.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is also an alternative form of treatment in which you withdraw at home.

Whilst this can bring a variety of benefits to some, to others it can increase the likelihood of relapse.

What Withdrawal Symptoms Are Experienced?

The most common kinds of withdrawal symptoms experienced by those facing a zolpidem detox are as follows:

• Tremors
• Agitation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Convulsions
• Stomach cramps
• Aches and pains
• Sweating
• Fever
• Panic attacks
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Uncontrollable crying and upset
• Rebound insomnia

Whilst these withdrawal symptoms sound very unpleasant, you will not experience all of them nor have to endure them alone.

With an expert team by your side, private rehab can help you detox safely and gradually.

Insomnia

Rebound insomnia is one of the most common withdrawal effects experienced by zolpidem users, as many originally suffered from insomnia before taking the drug.

When you stop taking the drug, you may find yourself unable to sleep again.

Some people say their struggle to sleep is worse than before they started abusing zolpidem.

If a person is unable to sleep at all, the risk of seizures, psychosis and delirium increase.

Rebound insomnia is often experienced as zolpidem suppresses the central nervous system.

When the consumption of zolpidem is halted, the brain struggles to adjust and therefore finds it almost impossible to relax and fall asleep.

Paired with the anxiety felt during this time, rebound insomnia can be a very challenging part of the withdrawal process.

Fortunately, it will eventually subside.

Most former zolpidem users often experience much better sleeping patterns once the withdrawal process is complete.

Contact Our Team Today

If you are ready to begin your zolpidem detox, call our team today on 0800 088 66 86.

We know it can be daunting to make the first step in your recovery journey, but it is for the best.

Overcoming your zolpidem dependence will bring a whole host of benefits including improved sleep and better health.

Speak to a Rehab Recovery team member today and begin the journey to a better life.