How to Wean Off and Stop Taking Ambien Safely

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is one of the z-drugs, a group of hypnotic drugs that cause sedation, begin with the letter “Z” (zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon), and are used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems.[2]

Z-drugs are non-benzodiazepines, but they work similarly and mimic the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to induce sleepiness.[3]

Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. The label indicates it should be prescribed for “as short as possible” to avoid dependence.[4] Chronic use of Ambien not only increases tolerance and encourages misuse, but it can come with more severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Some of Ambien’s withdrawal symptoms include:[5]

• Flushing
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Uncontrollable crying
• Sweating
• Abdominal discomfort
• Panic attacks
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Convulsions
• Seizures

How to Stop Taking Ambien

The best way to minimize withdrawal symptoms is by tapering off Ambien. Your doctor can help you determine the ideal Ambien taper schedule based on your dosage and length of use, but tapering generally involves taking smaller doses over time to wean you off the medication slowly.

A tapered dose reduces the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit Ambien and avoid relapse. But for people with Ambien dependence, taking increasingly smaller doses can be challenging, especially if they’ve been using Ambien over long periods or at high doses.

You should always speak with your doctor for advice on how to quit Ambien, but an example schedule to taper off Ambien may include:[6]

Sample Ambien Taper Schedule

This is just an example schedule. Weaning off Ambien is individualized, and the schedule may need to be adjusted or extended according to your progress. You should always seek advice on a safe tapering schedule with your doctor.

How to Stop Ambien with Medical Detox

Regular Ambien use can lead to tolerance and dependence, especially when it’s used over long periods or in high doses. The withdrawal process can be difficult and unpleasant, causing people to relapse.

Ambien withdrawal can be unpleasant and reduced with a tapering schedule, but it can be dangerous for some people. Stopping Ambien abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, so it’s important to wean off Ambien under medical supervision.[7]

People who use Ambien with other substances, especially depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, are at a higher risk of respiratory depression and other adverse effects.[8]

Medical detox is often recommended for people who are at risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms or struggle to quit Ambien on their own. With medical detox, you have 24/7 medical staff to keep you safe and comfortable while the drug clears your system – which typically takes a few days to a week.

Ambien detox helps manage withdrawal, which can be the most difficult aspect of getting off Ambien, but it may not be enough on its own. Addiction treatment is recommended to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to Ambien abuse and addiction, including the issues of insomnia that require it.

Unlike other drugs, Ambien addiction typically evolves from the proper use of prescribed medication for insomnia. Over time, tolerance builds up, leading people to take higher doses to address their sleep issues.

Without the effects of Ambien, some people still struggle with insomnia. Addiction treatment can address the causes of insomnia and drug misuse, such as anxiety or depression. Depending on your individual needs, inpatient or outpatient treatment with behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be ideal.[9]