A Glimpse on Ambien, its proper use and Ambien Abuse
Background:
Sleep is a luxury that most people take for granted. The proper length of sleep is usually inhibited by a lot of factors like stress, age, pain, etc., leading to varying degrees of insomnia. One of the most prescribed medicines to treat insomnia is Zolpidem, a fast-acting sedative more commonly known in the US by its trade name, Ambien. Ambien belongs to a group of medicines known as CNS depressants or central nervous system depressants particularly in the family of drugs called nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics. Nonbenzodiazepines are generally are used as anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant; however, Ambien is not used for these purposes as the dose required to induce these benefits is significantly higher than the usual stock doses and is more likely to produce one or more of the drug’s negative side effects. Zolpidem is prescribed as a sedative and is used as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Zolpidem is also known by its other trade names Ambien, Stilnox, Stilnoct, Hypnogen, Zolfresh, and Myslee.
Proper Dosage and Use:
Physicians usually order Ambien for patients as a short-term treatment for amnesia. This means that the ideal use of Ambien for treatment is around the period of two to six weeks. Ambien is usually taken orally in doses ranging from 5-10 milligrams depending on the age of the patient, and the medication is in tablet form, but doses may vary depending on the doctor’s order. Ambien’s potency is not affected whether you take it with or without food or on a full or empty stomach, but the drug may take-effect faster if taken on an empty stomach. It is important to remember that you should always take your schedule into consideration before taking Ambien because the drug will induce sleep for about 7 to 8 hours to ensure a full-night’s sleep. If you miss taking a dose of Ambien, skip the dose entirely and follow the set regular schedule. Lastly, it is important for patients prescribed to take Ambien to follow the doctor’s order properly.
Common Side Effects:
Ambien is known to cause the following side effects
- Daytime lethargy
- Lightheadedness
- Increased tolerance from the drug
- The state of extreme elation, or Euphoria, which may lead to
- uncontrolled extroversion in a social setting
- increased impulsivity and
- increased libido.
- Anterograde amnesia or failure to record new events into the long-term memory
- Hallucinations may occur on any of the five senses
- Poor coordination in movement or Ataxia may occur
- Poor judgment and reasoning may also be exhibited
Ambien Abuse:
Patients suffering from insomnia buy Ambien to ease their condition, but Ambien, like most prescription medications, is also subject to abuse. Ambien abuse happens when a patient deviates from the proper use of the drug, usually by using it for longer periods than necessary, as set by a proper physician. Ambien abuse also occurs if it is taken doses higher than the usually prescribed 5-10 milligrams. Ambien abusers may take the drug orally, or resort to crushing and sniffing the drug because mucus membrane absorption acts faster than gastro-intestinal absorption. Ambien dependents may also "cook" the medication and inject it intravenously for the same reasons. Ambien is abused because it sometimes induces a state of euphoria. The potency of Ambien can increase if taken with other substances like alcohol and other CNS depressants, which increases the risk to illicit a severe adverse reaction. Due to the lack of a successful Ambien rehab, several cases of Ambien abuse had been documented to lead to coma and even death.
Ambien abusers can be spotted by checking for its common side effects which are listed above.
Ambien Rehabilitation:
Ambien rehabilitation centers treat Ambien abuse, not only by detoxification. Ambien rehab centers tackle the task using a multi-phase, case by case approach to ensure that the treatment is effective in the long run. Treatment for Ambien Abuse should be handled with care, as Ambien abuse in conjunction with the use of other CNS depressants is potentially fatal. Detoxification under the supervision of experts is complemented by inpatient or outpatient counseling. Ambien detoxification involves gradually reducing a patient’s dependence to the drug. Counseling is done to address factors that may precipitate the addiction so that proper intervention can be found.
What Ambien Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these testimonials have been withheld to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The names that follow are fictional names of the author’s choosing.
"It was hard admitting that I was addicted. It took me quite a while to seek help. With the support of my family, and Malibu Horizon, I was able to make things right again and lose my Ambien dependence. Thank you very much!" –Michael Joe
"Life used to be one big crazy party for me. I was doing all sorts of pills from speed to E and coming down with Ambien. The high was unbelievable. I was losing control of all the sane things in my life. Everything was spinning out of my hands until I sought help from Malibu Horizon. Now, I’m starting to take back the life I once stole from myself." –Leonard
"I used to suffer acute insomnia and my doctor prescribed Ambien. And I guess I didn’t respect the drug and eventually got hooked. I’d probably still be hooked if it weren’t for Malibu Horizon." -Kimberly
"My job demanded late hours and I needed a downer to help me cope. Turns out it was more harm than helping until a friend who shared the same problem recommended Malibu Horizon. Now I’m off my addiction and off to a great new start!" -Kevin
"Lord knows where I’d be if it weren’t for Malibu Horizon’s Ambien Rehab center." -Jimmy
"Someone close to us died due to drug abuse. Without Malibu Horizon’s help, my son would probably have suffered the same faith. I can’t thank you enough." –Mildred
"I thought Malibu Horizon is no different from all the other rehabs I’ve been in, you know? They’d like, stop your cravings for a while then its like, I’d be popping 2 Ambiens the after a couple of weeks later. The way they helped me, I’m sure I could get-off the jam I’ve been in for good." –Ashley
"If I’m grateful for life, would it be enough? Thank you Malibu Horizon." -Romeo
"I knew I got it bad when I can’t remember what I’ve been doing the night before. I’d have memory black-outs which scared the living daylights out of me. I knew I needed help, and that’s exactly what Malibu Horizon gave me and so much more. You have my lifelong gratitude." -Raymond