Is zolpidem a good sleeping pill?

Zolpidem helps improve your sleep by boosting a chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks some of the neurotransmitters that send messages in the brain. This has a calming effect on the brain, which helps you get to sleep.

Why is zolpidem so bad for you?

Although Ambien is classified as a sedative, this drug can give the user a rush of energy and euphoria when it is abused at high doses. However, misusing this drug can result in extreme drowsiness, confusion, and clumsiness, all of which increase the risk of falls, fractures, and other accidental injuries.

What are the side effects of zolpidem sleeping pills?

Common side effects of Ambien (zolpidem) include:

• Daytime drowsiness,
• Dizziness,
• Weakness,
• Lightheadedness,
• “Drugged” feeling,
• Tiredness,
• Loss of coordination,
• Stuffy nose,

What are the most common side effects of zolpidem?

The more common side effects of zolpidem can include:

• headache.
• drowsiness.
• dizziness.
• diarrhea.
• dry mouth.
• chest pain.
• palpitations (fast, strong, or irregular heart rate, or feeling like your heart is skipping a beat)
• grogginess.

How many hours does zolpidem last?

The average half-life of the drug is around 2.6 hours in healthy adults. So, after taking a dose of zolpidem, the body will have eliminated half of it within two-and-a-half hours, or so. Full elimination of zolpidem can take anywhere from 11 hours to 16.5 hours.

What happens if you take Ambien and stay awake?

Sleep Activities On Ambien Ambien inhibits natural brain activity, inducing drowsiness to the point of intense sedation and calmness. People who take Ambien and force themselves to stay awake are much more likely to perform unconscious actions and not remember them.

Is it OK to take Ambien every night?

Ambien is designed for short term use only. Taking it at higher than recommended doses for long periods of time increases your chance of addiction.

How many mg of zolpidem is safe?

Adults—5 milligrams (mg) for women and 5 or 10 mg for men once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, do not take more than 10 mg per day. Take only 1 dose a night as needed.

How long will I sleep on Ambien?

Only take Ambien or Ambien CR if you intend to stay in bed a full night (7 to 8 hours). Ambien can be habit-forming. Only take as recommended by your doctor and for the shortest time possible.

Can you take 20 mg of zolpidem?

Zolpidem was hypnotically active at doses as low as 5.0 and 7.5 mg, and sleep stage effects occurred only at the 20 mg dose, thus separating the dose range of hypnotic and sleep stage effects.

Does Ambien shorten your life?

Hypnotic sleeping pills could even shorten your life: A 2012 study published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that use of hypnotics such as Ambien and Restoril is associated with a nearly five-fold increased risk of early death.

Can I take 20 mg of zolpidem?

The typical dose range for an Ambien prescription is between five and 10 milligrams. Taken in this dosage, Ambien is generally very safe and will not put individuals at risk for overdose. However, exceeding this amount can dramatically increase the potential for negative side effects and overdose.