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Why Do I Feel Anxiety And Shortness Of Breath When Not Taking Ambien, But Feel Fine After Taking It Again?
Hello I have been abusing Ambien for over a year now and I noticed that I have taking twice my prescribed dose. I stopped for 1 month cold turkey and had several panic attacks and had issues sleeping the first week then symptoms got better. After that month without use I started taking them in smaller doses of about 5MG but now I when i take them I get anxiety and the next day I’m having shortness of breath until I take them again at night and everything is good! Why only when I take them am I ok?
posted on
Thu, 3 Jul 2025
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 28 Aug 2025
Answered on
Mon, 1 Sep 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
You should take medicines as prescribed, doubling doses do not help you. Ambien isn't suitable for long-term use at night. You cannot stop suddenly after long-term heavy use. It can be risky because of withdrawal symptoms. Your brain and body have developed physical dependence on Ambien. When you take lower doses, your nervous system is getting overreactive and causing you symptoms like anxiety, panic, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping.
Inform your treating doctor about how and why you have doubled the doses. This can worsen anxiety, panic, and even breathing problems if you continue like this. Your treating doctor will prescribe you medicines that suit you better or help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. You can also take the help of detox centers.
With the right taper and support, you can absolutely get free of the symptoms that you are experiencing. Do not take to heart, it is not your fault, that's how medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms. To get good sleep, make sure your room is comfortable, airy and dimly lit. Read good books or listen to soft music that will help you go off to sleep.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician
You should take medicines as prescribed, doubling doses do not help you. Ambien isn't suitable for long-term use at night. You cannot stop suddenly after long-term heavy use. It can be risky because of withdrawal symptoms. Your brain and body have developed physical dependence on Ambien. When you take lower doses, your nervous system is getting overreactive and causing you symptoms like anxiety, panic, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping.
Inform your treating doctor about how and why you have doubled the doses. This can worsen anxiety, panic, and even breathing problems if you continue like this. Your treating doctor will prescribe you medicines that suit you better or help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms. You can also take the help of detox centers.
With the right taper and support, you can absolutely get free of the symptoms that you are experiencing. Do not take to heart, it is not your fault, that's how medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms. To get good sleep, make sure your room is comfortable, airy and dimly lit. Read good books or listen to soft music that will help you go off to sleep.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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