An Ambien (zolpidem) overdose happens when someone takes more of the medication than the prescribed amount, leading to too much Ambien in the body. This can result in a range of symptoms like:
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Slow breathing
- Coma (total lack of response)
- Death
There is a bigger chance of overdose when people misuse Ambien by taking it for non-medical reasons, or mixing it with alcohol, opioids or other CNS depressants.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien is a brand name for the drug Zolpidem, which belongs to a class of medications known as sedative-hypnotics. It is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties in falling asleep and staying asleep. Ambien is available in both quick-release and long-release forms, and it works by affecting chemicals in the brain to make it easier to fall asleep.
Can You Overdose on Ambien?
It is definitely possible to overdose on Ambien. The risk of overdose is more likely if someone takes a large amount in a short period of time, or if they mix it with CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids. There are documented cases of Ambien overdoses that happened both by mistake and on purpose.
The typical prescribed dosage for Ambien falls within the range of 5 to 10 milligrams. When taken within this recommended range, Ambien is generally considered safe and does not pose a risk of overdose. However, taking more than that makes it more likely for a person to experience an overdose.
How Much Ambien to Overdose?
Negative effects of Ambien can begin to manifest at doses as low as 70 milligrams, and doses higher than that are considered to be a lethal dose of Ambien. The risk of overdose climbs higher the larger the dosage taken. Aside from dosage, taking Ambien in ways unprescribed and/or unintended (like snorting or injecting) raises the risk of overdose.
If you or a loved one suffer from Ambien abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
What Are Typical Ambien Overdose Symptoms?
Typical Ambien overdose effects include:
- Extreme Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness and difficulty staying awake are common signs of an overdose.
- Confusion: Overdose may lead to confusion, disorientation, and an impaired ability to think.
- Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or slurring of words can mean someone is overdosing.
- Impaired Coordination: Motor skills may be affected, leading to problems with balance and movement.
- Unresponsiveness: In bad cases, people may not respond or wake up from sleep.
- Difficulty Breathing: An Ambien overdose can cause difficulty breathing.
- Coma: In extreme cases, an Ambien overdose can lead to a prolonged state of unconsciousness known as coma.
- Ambien Overdose Death: In the worst-case scenario, an Ambien overdose can lead to death.
What To Do If Someone Overdoses on Ambien?
If you suspect someone has overdosed on Ambien, take the following steps immediately:
- Dial 911. Give them all necessary information, including the person's symptoms, the amount of Ambien taken, time of last dose, and any other substances involved.
- Stay with the victim and make sure their heart is beating and they are breathing. If the individual loses consciousness, perform CPR (if you know how) until medical professionals arrive.
- Do not make the victim vomit. Throwing up is not recommended in the case of an Ambien overdose. It is essential to let medical professionals handle the situation.
What Are Risk Factors Associated with Ambien (Zolpidem) Overdose?
Taking more Ambien than prescribed significantly increases the risk of overdose. This can happen by mistake or on purpose in people who are suicidal. Certain formulations of Ambien have a faster release of the active ingredient, which may increase the risk of overdose, if not taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Taking Ambien with other CNS depressants like alcohol, benzos, or opioids, can make a person more likely to overdose.
Developing a tolerance to Ambien over time might lead individuals to take higher doses to achieve the same sedative (sleepy) effects, making the chance of overdose higher. Dependence can also cause someone to overdose. If a person has a kidney or liver problem, they are at a higher risk of overdose because their body cannot process the Ambien properly. Older people with underlying health conditions may be more susceptible to the sedative effects of Ambien, increasing the risk of overdose.
People with a history of substance abuse, including misuse of prescription medications, may be more prone to taking excessive amounts of Ambien, leading to overdose. In some cases, individuals with suicidal tendencies may intentionally overdose on Ambien to cause harm to themselves. It's essential to monitor individuals with a history of mental health issues closely.
What is Ambien Overdose Treatment?
In mild cases, where the individual is still conscious (awake) and breathing, supportive care may be sufficient. This involves monitoring vital signs (like pulse and blood pressure) and providing supervision and reassurance until the effects of the medication wear off.
In some cases, activated charcoal may be pumped into the stomach or taken orally to absorb the remaining Ambien in the stomach and prevent further absorption into the bloodstream.
Flumazenil, a medication used to reverse the effects of sedative-hypnotics, may be used in particularly severe overdose cases to reverse the sedation (medicine-induced tiredness) caused by Ambien.
Intravenous fluids (IV) may be needed to maintain blood pressure and support overall physiological function. Severe cases of Ambien overdose may require monitoring in a full-service medical setting, such as an intensive care unit, to make sure the person is safe.
Treatment for Ambien Addiction and Abuse
Treatment for Ambien addiction often involves a combination of the following medical and behavioral interventions:
Detoxification: Individuals addicted to Ambien may need to undergo a supervised detoxification process to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This process is typically conducted under medical supervision to ensure the individual's safety.
Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other behavioral therapies can help people figure out why their addiction started in the first place. These therapies help individuals develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage stress and improve sleep hygiene.
Support Groups: Participating in support groups, such as 12-step programs or group therapy, can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be a valuable aspect of the recovery process.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): In some cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to help in the recovery process. Medications like naltrexone or acamprosate may be used to reduce cravings and keep a person from relapsing.
Prevent an Ambien Overdose Avenues Recovery Addiction Treatment Programs
If you or a loved one suffer from Ambien abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our expert staff have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and they can help you too. We believe that everyone deserves access to treatment, and that every person can reach sobriety- no matter their history. Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community, and to begin your journey to recovery.