HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

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 Is The Treatment For Insomnia?

I was on ambien for 6 months a couple years ago and didn t have to elevate the mg or pills taken. It s hard telling if I had withdrawals or not since I suffer from Insomnia. I m about to get back on it since I work around natural gas and can t make simple mistakes to put peoples lives in danger. I know some people have been on it for 10+ years and was wondering if there have been any proven long term dangers? I ve tried everything OTC and most smaller prescriptions btw.
Tue, 25 Oct 2016
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello! Zolpidem(ambien) is a benzodiazepine. It has many side effects. Important side effects of its use are drowsiness and dizziness, headache. One of the greatest risk is the possibility of next day sleepiness impaired concentration and reduced alertness if the drug is used with a less than 7-8 hours of sleep. These effects can be gretaer if the drug is used with alcohol or antidepressants or other benzodiazepines. If the drug is used in these circumstances it's advised to avoid driving or perform precise tasks. With long term use the risk of deppression, suicidal thoughts, confusion, hallucinations, nightmares are high. But the most dangerous is becoming addictive, and since the drug has tolerance (larger dose is needed to have the same effect) it may be used in larger doses and the adverse effects may be more prominent.
Zolpidem, in general is prescribed for a short time, 1 week to a max of 4 weeks. If you suffer from insomnia even after using the drug you should consult your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant (miratzapine and trazodone are most used for insomnia) which can be used for a long time.
I hope i have been of help.
I find this answer helpful
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 Is The Treatment For Insomnia?

Hello! Zolpidem(ambien) is a benzodiazepine. It has many side effects. Important side effects of its use are drowsiness and dizziness, headache. One of the greatest risk is the possibility of next day sleepiness impaired concentration and reduced alertness if the drug is used with a less than 7-8 hours of sleep. These effects can be gretaer if the drug is used with alcohol or antidepressants or other benzodiazepines. If the drug is used in these circumstances it s advised to avoid driving or perform precise tasks. With long term use the risk of deppression, suicidal thoughts, confusion, hallucinations, nightmares are high. But the most dangerous is becoming addictive, and since the drug has tolerance (larger dose is needed to have the same effect) it may be used in larger doses and the adverse effects may be more prominent. Zolpidem, in general is prescribed for a short time, 1 week to a max of 4 weeks. If you suffer from insomnia even after using the drug you should consult your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant (miratzapine and trazodone are most used for insomnia) which can be used for a long time. I hope i have been of help.