Ambien Abuse
Q)
What is Ambien?
A) Ambien with the generic name of Zolpidem belongs to a
class of medicines that effects the central nervous system,
called sedative hypnotics. Ambien is closely related to
a family of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs cause
sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure),
and have anti-anxiety properties. Ambien has selectivity
in that it has little of the muscle relaxant or anti-seizure
effect and more of the sedative effect. Therefore, it is
used as a medication for sleep.
Q) How is Ambien used?
A) When abused, Ambien tablets are taken orally, crushed and then snorted, or dissolved in water and "cooked" for intravenous injection.
Q) What are the effects of Ambien?
A)
- Daytime drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty with coordination
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Changing in thinking and/or behavior
Ambien may cause special type of memory loss known as amnesia. When this occurs, a person may not remember what has happened for several hours after taking the medicine. In addition, addiction, or dependence, can be caused by Ambien, especially when used regularly for longer than a few weeks or at high doses. People who have been dependent on alcohol or other drugs in the past may have a greater chance of becoming addicted to Ambien. Some people using Ambien have experienced unusual changes in their thinking and/or behavior.
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