Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Leads To Sleeplessness And Hallucinations After Taking Ambien?

I have been taking Ambien 10mg for some time. They use to work really well, however I did have some side effects. No memory of things I did or said. I would sleep maybe 3-5hrs & felt good, however I know that is not enough sleep. Then 10mg wouldn t even make me sleep. Plus I was nervous to take them without someone home with me. I also experienced hallucinations!!! I just want to SLEEP! I want to wake up REFRESHED, which never happens! Closest is 3-5hrs on Ambien! I m Lost!!! Any suggestions are so so welcome. Thank u ( :
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Ambien contains zolpidem which is used to treat insomnia by boosting a chemical in brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that has a calming effect on brain and helps someone to get sleep. It should only be used short term for sleep problems. It will usually be prescribed for just 2-4 weeks. This is because the body gets used to this drug rapidly. After taking it for a few weeks, it is unlikely to have the same effect and may develop some side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, feeling drugged, decreased awareness, hallucinations, sleepwalking, sleep eating etc. This drug shouldn't be taken with or after meal because it won't work as quickly. It also shouldn't be taken without having of time for a full night's sleep of at least 7-8 hours. Withdrawal symptoms may develop in case of stopping this drug suddenly if someone has been taking it for longer than 4 weeks. Dose of Ambien should be reduced slowly over a few days or weeks before stop taking it fully.

Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Leads To Sleeplessness And Hallucinations After Taking Ambien?

Hi, Ambien contains zolpidem which is used to treat insomnia by boosting a chemical in brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that has a calming effect on brain and helps someone to get sleep. It should only be used short term for sleep problems. It will usually be prescribed for just 2-4 weeks. This is because the body gets used to this drug rapidly. After taking it for a few weeks, it is unlikely to have the same effect and may develop some side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, feeling drugged, decreased awareness, hallucinations, sleepwalking, sleep eating etc. This drug shouldn t be taken with or after meal because it won t work as quickly. It also shouldn t be taken without having of time for a full night s sleep of at least 7-8 hours. Withdrawal symptoms may develop in case of stopping this drug suddenly if someone has been taking it for longer than 4 weeks. Dose of Ambien should be reduced slowly over a few days or weeks before stop taking it fully. Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,