Ambien CR Addiction

It is possible to develop an Ambien CR addiction, especially if the sleep medicine is taken daily for a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms that may indicate an addiction include insomnia, fatigue, panic attacks, and irritability. An Ambien CR addiction is more likely to occur in people with a history of alcohol or drug addictions.

 

Ambien CR Addiction: An Overview

Ambien CR™ (zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets) is a prescription sleeping medication that is used to treat insomnia in adults. Just like with other sleeping medicines, there is the possibility of becoming addicted to Ambien CR. Addiction, or "dependence," is when a person feels like he or she needs to continue taking a medicine.
 
An Ambien CR addiction is more likely to develop if the medicine is taken daily for a long period of time or at higher doses. It is also more likely to occur in people with a history of alcohol or drug addictions.
 

What Are Signs of an Ambien CR Addiction?

When a person is addicted to a medicine, once the medicine is stopped, the body is not able to function properly, and withdrawal symptom can occur. Some Ambien CR withdrawal symptoms can include:
 
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Stomach cramps
  • Panic attack.
     
When these problems occur, people often feel like they need to stay on their medicines just to prevent these symptoms from occurring again.
 
If you are taking increasing doses of Ambien CR or feel like you cannot stop the medicine, you need to talk to a healthcare provider. An Ambien CR addiction is a serious problem that requires treatment.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;