Zolpidem Detox Guide: Timeline, Symptoms & Effects

Like other prescription sleep aids, zolpidem (Ambien) can be addictive due to its calming and euphoric effects. Zolpidem belongs to the class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which help to slow brain activity in order to initiate sleep ¹.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies zolpidem as a Schedule IV controlled drug, which means that although it has recognized medical use, it can also be abused and lead to the development of physiological dependence ². When a user is dependent on zolpidem, it means that their body has become physically reliant on the sedative to function optimally. Someone who has a dependence on zolpidem may experience a range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms upon sudden discontinuation or reduction in use. Many people take zolpidem to alleviate or avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to a cycle of problematic use known as addiction. Zolpidem addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive use despite knowledge of the negative consequences.

Zolpidem detox treatment can help you to safely and comfortably withdraw from the sedative in a controlled and supportive environment. Once you complete a detox program, it can be beneficial to transition into a zolpidem addiction recovery program, which can help you get clean and sober and maintain that sobriety in the long run.

Some statistics concerning zolpidem use and abuse include ^3,5:

• Zolpidem is the most frequently found drug in forged prescriptions.
• The approximate number of zolpidem-related emergency department visits involving overmedication increased for both males and females between 2005–2006 and 2009–2010.
• More than 50% of zolpidem-related emergency department visits involved other substances as well.

What Are the Immediate Effects of Use?

People may abuse Ambien for many reasons. Some begin taking the drug as prescribed and eventually become physically dependent or addicted to it. Others misuse or abuse it for its sedating and hypnotic effects. In higher doses, it can create a feeling similar to drunkenness, especially when combined with other drugs and alcohol. Misusing the drug can be dangerous. Even short-term use has many adverse effects, such as:^1,10,16,18

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Slurred speech.
• Unsteady gait.
• Impaired coordination and attention.
• Dry mouth.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Red eyes.
• Nausea.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Stomach pains.
• Indigestion.
• Muscle and/or joint aches.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
• Pain, burning, or numbness in extremities.
• Appetite changes.
• Uncontrollable shaking.
• Memory loss.
• Unusual dreams.
• Stupor.

High doses may lead to serious and potentially dangerous outcomes, such as:¹

• Hypotension.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Overdose.
• Coma.

What Are the Risks of Long-term Use?

Ambien abuse can lead to tolerance, which means that the user will require larger doses to achieve the same effect. Chronic zolpidem use can lead to the development of dependence, resulting in unpleasant and even fatal withdrawal symptoms when the user attempts to quit. Furthermore, continued use can eventually result in a zolpidem addiction, a progressive condition in which the person cannot control their use. Long-term Ambien abuse is also associated with other negative consequences, including:^1,10,16,18

• Slowed heart rate.
• Reduced respiratory rate and blood pressure.
• Legal problems, resulting from DUI or theft.
• Accidents or injuries due to sedation.
• Interpersonal ramifications, such as divorce or loss of friendships.
• Occupational problems, such as increased absences or termination.
• Academic problems, such as failing classes or expulsion from school.
• Engaging in risky and/or illegal behaviors associated with drug use.
• Increased risk of overdose.

Many of these consequences of chronic Ambien abuse can be prevented by seeking professional detox and substance addiction treatment.

Zolpidem Withdrawal Symptoms

If you are addicted to zolpidem and suddenly quit or dramatically reduce your use, you may develop distressing and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Some of the potential withdrawal symptoms associated with zolpidem withdrawal syndrome include ^10,16,17:

• Fatigue.
• Excessive sweating.
• Dysphoria or state of unease.
• Increased heart rate.
• Insomnia.
• Abdominal and muscle cramps.
• Anxiety.
• Tremors or convulsions.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Flushing.
• Lightheadedness.
• Hallucinations.
• Repetitive, purposeless movements.
• Panic attacks.
• Seizures.

If you are trying to quit abusing zolpidem, you don’t have to detox alone. Help is available.

Detoxification Timeline

Zolpidem is available in both extended-release and immediate release formulations. The various prescription forms include oral tablets, sublingual tablets, and a metered, oral spray ¹. The detox timeline for extended-release forms of zolpidem will differ from the detox timeline for the more immediate-acting tablets. Acute withdrawal symptoms from the extended-release tablet may be delayed and not appear for a few days to a week. Symptoms may peak around the second week and subside by the third ¹⁰.

Conversely, someone who abuses the immediate release forms of zolpidem may experience a quicker onset of withdrawal symptoms, within several hours to a couple days after stopping zolpidem use ^8,10. In most cases, these symptoms last a few days, but this is largely dependent on the individual ¹⁰. Not everyone will experience withdrawal symptoms, nor will everyone experience the same symptoms.

Many are able to successfully detox from zolpidem within a 7- to 10-day period ⁹. However, this depends on several factors, including:

• Your physiological makeup.
• The regularly used dose.
• Your mental and physical health.
• Whether you used other drugs in combination with zolpidem.
• How long you used zolpidem.

What is Detox?

Drug detox is a process that helps clear your body of zolpidem and helps to manage withdrawal symptoms. You can participate in medical or social detox. Medical detox means that you receive assistive medications and the supervision of trained medical staff. Social detox is a non-medical process where you are monitored and supported throughout withdrawal without the use of medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. If you have Ambien withdrawal symptoms or a serious addiction, medical detox can provide you with the following benefits:

• 24/7 medical and psychiatric support
• The administration of medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms and address any medical complications
• A safe, structured, and supportive environment

Remember, however, that drug detox is only the first step on the path to recovery—it doesn’t provide you with comprehensive and thorough addiction treatment designed to facilitate long-term recovery. To achieve sobriety, it is advisable that you transition into an Ambien addiction treatment program once you complete a formal detox program.

Is Zolpidem Detox Necessary?

For some substances of abuse, such opioids, the withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant but are seldom immediately dangerous—formal detox, while it may facilitate the process, is technically not necessary from a safety standpoint. Conversely, like that associated with many other sedative medications, the zolpidem withdrawal syndrome can result in life-threatening complications, such as grand mal seizures. A professional detox program can ensure your safety while you withdraw from Ambien, which is why detox is considered the best practice for quitting sedative use.

It can be difficult to discern whether you or someone you know is addicted to zolpidem or not. There are many signs and symptoms that indicate that someone has developed a zolpidem addiction or sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.

The signs and symptoms of an Ambien addiction include ¹⁰:

• Taking zolpidem for longer or in larger amounts than intended.
• Persistent zolpidem use despite efforts to stop.
• Spending excessive amounts of time obtaining and using zolpidem, as well as recovering from its effects.
• Experiencing strong zolpidem cravings.
• Continuing to use despite the negative social or interpersonal consequences.
• Giving up activities you previously enjoyed because of zolpidem use.
• Using zolpidem in dangerous or physically hazardous situations, such as driving.
• Continuing use despite psychological or physical problems caused or exacerbated by zolpidem use.
• Developing a tolerance, meaning that you require higher amounts or more frequent administration of the drug to achieve the same results.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using.

If you or someone you care about exhibits at least two of the above signs and symptoms, zolpidem detoxification services could be beneficial to help facilitate sobriety.

Dangers of Long-term Zolpidem Abuse

If you have an addiction to zolpidem, it’s never too late to seek detox and rehab programs to help you get clean and sober. Those who fail to seek treatment for zolpidem abuse place themselves at risk of accidents, injury, and numerous detrimental mental and physical effects. Some dangers of continued zolpidem abuse include ^10,12,13:

• Reduced alertness, which can affect your ability to function in day-to-day activities, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Increased risk of overdose, which can result in coma or death.
• Memory impairment and cognitive deficits.
• Increased risk of negative side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness, depression, detachment, concentration problems, nightmares, and hallucinations.
• Diminished ability to maintain your relationships, career, and finances.

Seeking zolpidem detox and addiction treatment can make a crucial difference in helping to minimize these and other possible long-term effects.

Choosing a Withdrawal Treatment Program

You can choose to complete either an inpatient or outpatient zolpidem withdrawal treatment program.

Via regular check-ins and progress updates, outpatient detox provides some medical monitoring of the withdrawal period by a physician at a doctor’s office or at an outpatient facility. After assessing your severity of dependence, your doctor may prescribe a gradual zolpidem tapering schedule to manage the discomfort of the withdrawal process and to minimize the risk of serious complications. Talk to your physician to determine whether outpatient detox is advisable for your needs.

With inpatient detox, you live at a residential facility and receive around-the-clock care and monitoring. This option is ideal for zolpidem users since, in some cases, zolpidem withdrawal is associated with life-threatening symptoms. Inpatient detox is also advisable if you abuse multiple substances or have a co-occurring mental or physical health condition, as these issues can exacerbate the withdrawal process. During inpatient detox, you may be administered certain medications, such as a long-acting benzodiazepine to then itself be tapered, to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Once you complete a detox program, you may optimize your recovery if you transition to a formal addiction treatment program. Professional treatment can help you maintain long-term sobriety and teach you the skills necessary to remain clean and sober.

Treatment After Detox

After completion of detox, many solidify their efforts toward long-term sobriety by continuing recovery work in a formal addiction treatment program. Without treatment, you may have a higher risk of relapse, especially if you return to your former using environment or associate with people with whom you used to abuse zolpidem with.

Substance abuse treatment can help you uncover and address underlying issues that may have led to your addiction. Treatment also provides education and support to help you develop healthier coping skills that can help you stay on the path to continued sobriety. You will also learn to correct dysfunctional thought patterns, feelings, and behaviors to help you start living a healthier and happier life.

There are different types of addiction treatment, but the two broad categories of programs include those offered in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. The choice of program type will ultimately depend on your specific condition and needs, and may be influenced by the recommendations of any treatment professional to evaluate your case.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides a high level of care that includes 24/7 monitoring and support from trained substance abuse experts. You live at a residential treatment facility in a structured environment free of triggers and drugs for the duration of the program. Inpatient treatment generally lasts between several weeks and a few months, depending on the severity of your addiction and the services you require. The types of treatment modalities offered may differ from program to program, but in most cases, you will receive services such as:

• Individualized Treatment Plans: A therapist will conduct an intake evaluation and create a treatment plan based on your specific needs, addiction severity, as well as your mental and physical health status.
• Individual Therapy: This type of therapy can help you identify the reasons you developed an addiction and assist you in rectifying problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Group Counseling: This type of therapy is facilitated by a mental health professional and offers the support of other group attendees who have experienced a similar path to recovery.
• Relapse Prevention Classes: These classes teach you to identify, avoid, and cope with potential relapse triggers.
• Support Groups: Some treatment programs may integrate 12-step meetings or non-12-step alternatives, such as SMART Recovery, into their programs.
• Aftercare Planning: This plan outlines the ongoing treatment and support you will pursue once you complete your initial recovery program.
• Medical and Psychiatric Care: Medical and psychiatric care can address any underlying or co-occurring medical or psychiatric health issues.

Each treatment program has its own philosophy and will likely utilize a somewhat unique set of treatment modalities and interventions. Remember to thoroughly research your recovery program in advance to ensure that it’s the right one for your needs.

Treatment costs can vary widely and are set by the particular program or the state. Overall costs of treatment can depend on a number of factors that might include:

• Amenities, such as the type of room you stay in or the available facilities and luxuries.
• Location.
• The length of the program.
• Your insurance coverage.

Outpatient Treatment

For those unable to commit to living at a residential facility, outpatient treatment can be a useful treatment option. This form of treatment differs from inpatient treatment in that you continue to live at home while attending treatment at an outpatient facility when it works for your schedule.

Furthermore, many people transition to outpatient programs as a way to continue their recovery once they have successfully completed inpatient treatment.

Depending on your needs, you can select from several levels of outpatient care, including ¹⁴:

• Partial Hospitalization (PHP): With services and a level of care similar to inpatient programs, PHP, also known as day treatment, is an intense form of outpatient treatment that takes place in a hospital or medical facility. You attend treatment for up to 5 days per week for approximately 4–6 hours per day and return home in the evening. In addition to interventions like group therapy and relapse prevention courses, you may receive medication to assist your recovery. PHP is often used as a means to transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment. For optimal success, you should have a supportive home environment or you may require longer or more intensive treatment.
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP): In most cases, IOP requires attendance between 2–4 days per week for around 2–3 hours per day. Like PHP, you will participate in group therapy, receive training in coping skills, and attend relapse prevention courses. However, in most instances, you will not receive assistive medications. You must obtain and adhere to a medication schedule prescribed outside of the program from your physician or other treating professional.
• Standard Outpatient: You will attend treatment between 1–2 times per week, often for approximately 1–2 hours per day. You will mainly participate in group therapy. Standard outpatient treatment programs usually offer flexible schedules; for example, if you need to work during the day, you can generally attend treatment in the evening.