Is Ambien safe long-term?

Others may develop a problem with Ambien after using the medication for recreational reasons. No matter what the original cause of addiction may be, long-term Ambien use can have hazardous effects on the user’s physical health, psychological wellbeing, job performance, and home life.

Can Ambien damage your brain?

Like benzodiazepines, Ambien acts on receptor cells in the brain that bind with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a brain chemical that influences sleep and other neurological activities. Some users have experienced negative cognitive or psychological side effects to Ambien, such as: Memory loss. Difficulty concentrating.

How long can you use Ambien?

Ambien is meant to be used only as a short-term treatment for insomnia. In clinical studies, Ambien was effective for helping people fall asleep when used for up to 35 days.

Is Ambien hard on kidneys?

Zolpidem (applies to Ambien) renal dysfunction Moderate Potential Hazard, Low plausibility. Zolpidem is extensively metabolized by the liver and subsequently excreted in the urine, primarily as metabolites.

Is Ambien really that bad?

It isn’t “bad,” but you definitely have to weigh the side effects. Also, realize that it effects everyone differently. Some people have had no trouble at all with Ambien. Other people have had huge difficulties with it.

What is Ambien used for?

Ambien was originally synthesized to be a less addictive alternative to benzodiazepines like Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam). For decades, Valium and other drugs in the benzodiazepine family have been prescribed to help patients with anxiety or sleep disorders.

How long can you take Ambien?

Ambien is usually prescribed for no more than six weeks and recommended for shorter periods of time, if possible. However, some individuals find it difficult or impossible to sleep without Ambien, and they may continue to use the drug past the recommended timeframe.

Why did you stop taking Ambien CR 12 5?

I’d been on Ambien CR 12.5 for six weeks when the side-effects (drymouth, light-headedness, groggy “hungover” feeling) outweighed any benefits. I stopped taking it because I felt I was becoming non-functional by the afternoon and I worried about it impacting my driving.