Zolpidem Abuse

Those in search of a quick high are discovering this generic sleep aid – and discovering too late that it can be highly addictive.

It’s not the first drug you think of when you hear about addiction, but as prescription drug addiction becomes an increasing problem, drugs like zolpidem are increasing in popularity. This generic sleep aid is a sedative/hypnotic that is closely related to benzodiazepines, a family of drugs that cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants and reduce anxiety.

Unlike benzodiazepines, zolpidem has little of the muscle relaxant and anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect, making it popular for use as a sleep aid. For that reason, it is commonly prescribed to those suffering from insomnia.

Zolpidem goes by many different brand names in the U.S. and abroad, including Ambien, Zolpimist, Adormix, AmbienCR, Edluar, Damixan, Hypnogen, Ivedal, Lioran, Myslee, Nytamel, Sanval, Stilnoct, Stilnox, Stilnox CR, Sucedal, Zoldem, Zolnod and Zolpihexal.

When taken for extended periods of time, zolpidem does become addictive and a drug tolerance can develop. Despite this danger, zolpidem is used by some recreationally for its sedative, euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. Since it’s not much use getting high if you’re only going to sleep through it, recreational users take zolpidem and then fight its sleep-inducing effects so they can remain awake to experience the drug’s hallucinogenic or euphoric side effects. Since the drug is available in pill form, that makes it easy for abusers to crush, snort or inject zolpidem to achieve a more intense high. The production of an extended-release version of zolpidem (in the form of brand-name medication Ambien CR) drew new interest among recreational drug users.

Zolpidem used at higher dosages can cause withdrawal symptoms ranging from muscle cramps and sweats to shaking and seizures. For this reason, it is not recommended that the drug be discontinued abruptly.

Prescription Drug Rehab

If you or a family member is battling an addiction to prescription medication, call The Canyon at our toll-free number, 877.714.1319. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.