When inhaled, Ambien enters the bloodstream almost instantly, shocking the nervous system. It doesn’t make the drug more effective — it just makes the side effects hit harder. The drug’s chemicals and fillers can burn and damage sensitive tissue, leading to permanent sinus infections, nasal collapse, and respiratory issues. Treatment for Ambien overdose typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms and stabilize the individual’s condition.
For example, if you take a dose of Ambien your body is tolerant of, as well as a dose of an opioid your body has taken before, it can result in a fatal overdose. People snort drugs they normally swallow because it bypasses the digestive system. In many cases, a person’s treatment team may recommend that the client continues with their Ambien treatment by enrolling in a sober living program and/or Aftercare. Both types of Ambien treatment programs are designed to help individuals maintain their sobriety after rehab and reintegrate back into society as a sober person.
Snorting Ambien Dangers, Effects & Health Risks
They can evaluate individual circumstances, provide guidance on proper dosage and duration of use, and monitor for any potential interactions or side effects. Cirque Lodge offers addiction treatment programs in a beautiful location set in the idyllic and serene Rocky Mountains of Utah. Ambien is prescribed for chronic sleep disorders but too much of the drug can cause extreme drowsiness that can make an individual feel like they are drunk.
Alternatives to Ambien Sleeping Pills
Ambien abuse can cause people to participate in activities or have conversations that they cannot remember afterward. Ambien can be used mostly safely but it is best if done when taking lower doses with immediate-release tablets nasally rather than with extended-release tablets. However, crushing Ambien or snorting sleeping pills is never recommended. The FDA recommends no more than 12.5 mg of Ambien per day for a person to feel the positive effects and avoid negative repercussions. Aside from physical dangers, snorting Ambien can have serious consequences for your mental health and overall well-being.
Abusing Ambien through insufflation (snorting) can lead to nasal tissue damage, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. Persons taking four standard dose pills of zolpidem a year could have a 20 percent increased risk of heart attack, while those taking 60 tablets a year may have a 50 percent greater risk. This sobering connection was found by the China Medical University in Taiwan and reported by Express. The more a medication is prescribed, the higher the rate of abuse is for that drug. Ambien is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, and it also has high rates of abuse.
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This is dangerous because the drug is absorbed in higher amounts than would normally enter the bloodstream all at once. A large dose can result in overdose, resulting in low blood pressure, slowed breathing and potential death. Even when a person does not overdose, snorting raises the risk of serious side effects.
- Healthcare providers might administer medications to counteract the effects of Ambien or use interventions like gastric lavage or activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the drug.
- One of the most significant dangers of snorting Ambien is the potential for overdose.
- Ambien and Ambien CR are brand-name medications that contain the active drug zolpidem.
- It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional about any existing respiratory conditions or concerns before starting the combined therapy.
- While Ambien was developed to mimic the effects of benzodiazepines without the addictive qualities, Ambien is still addictive.
Understanding Addiction
Don’t wait for the dangers of insufflation to damage your health – call now to get started on the road to recovery by learning about your treatment options. It also comes in an instant release tablet or an extended-release version, known as Ambien CR. Also, people who snort Ambien may be tempted to take larger doses than prescribed to intensify the effects, further increasing the risk of overdose. Snorting Ambien heightens the risk of overdose by speeding up the drug’s absorption into the bloodstream. By bypassing the usual digestion process, Ambien enters the bloodstream directly through the nasal passages. This fast absorption accelerates the onset of effects and increases the concentration of the drug in the body, which greatly raises the risk of overdose.
Irrational, Dangerous Behavior
People may also snort the drug to intensify and prolong feelings of euphoria. When taken as directed, Ambien helps people fall asleep and experience deeper sleep. Some people experience feelings of euphoria and intoxication from Ambien, and may crush and snort the tablet in order to get high.
This means they have no recollection of cooking, eating, or driving while asleep, and usually have to be told about their behavior. If you are a medical doctor, clinician, or other professional in a field related to this topic and find errors or inaccuracies within this content, please contact us at There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.
Sleep-Related Behavioral Effects Of Ambien (Zolpidem)
- Both medications can cause respiratory depression, leading to difficulty in breathing.
- Zolpidem can cause abnormal behavior with confusion, paradoxical insomnia or “complex sleep-related behaviors,” which may include sleep-driving (driving with no memory of having done so).
- Ambien is notorious for leading to dangerous complex sleep-related behaviors.
- Despite what some might think, it doesn’t make the experience better, and it can be very dangerous.
Although many Ambien rehab programs only offer 30-day programs, research snorting zolpidem shows most people need at least 90 days to permanently change addictive behaviors. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. They can explain how this combination may help in managing certain conditions, such as insomnia or anxiety, and whether it is a suitable option for you. Additionally, they can address any concerns or potential side effects you may have.
Like alcohol intoxication, this high carries with it some dangerous effects, including decreased inhibitions, impaired coordination, impaired judgment and slowed reflexes. Many people who snort Ambien will develop sores, crusted skin and/or frequent bloody noses. This can lead to daytime drowsiness, impaired driving and an increased risk of falls and accidents. At this time, FDA is only requiring the manufacturers of certain zolpidem-containing products to revise their dosing recommendations. As was mentioned above, if you suspect an Ambien overdose, seek help right away. The sooner you reach out for help, the lower the odds of long-term damage or death.
This can include dangerous behaviors like wandering, driving, or aggressive actions toward others — all while unaware. People who snort Ambien often find themselves unable to sleep or relax without it. What began as a way to “feel calm” or “escape” becomes an all-consuming cycle of dependency. Even when used as intended, people taking Ambien sometimes engage in behaviors they otherwise would not have. The most common reason for Ambien abuse is to achieve feelings of euphoria and relaxation. As a sedative-hypnotic, Ambien slows down the central nervous system, producing relaxing sensations of calmness and sedation.
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This can impact their ability to function safely, increasing the risk of accidents or injuries. Also, snorting Ambien can make gastrointestinal disturbances worse, and may cause irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages, leading to nosebleeds, nasal congestion, and sinus problems. Snorting Ambien lets zolpidem get into the bloodstream rapidly through the nasal tissues.