Insomnia can be pretty hard to deal with, so it’s no surprise that there’s medication which can help. One of the more common choices these days is Ambien. However, this drug can potentially be dangerous if not used properly…
Ambien: Basic Use & Issues
Basic use
Ambien is in sedative-hypnotic class of drugs. That’s because the main function of the drug is to slow down the brain and the central nervous system. When someone takes the drug, it activates neurotransmitters which will help a person relax. This is what makes it useful for those who struggle to fall asleep.
The drug tends to comes in two forms. There’s a quick release version, which is meant for those who struggle to fall asleep. There’s also an extended release version, for people who have trouble staying asleep. While it can be helpful, doctors only intend for others to use it for a short time.
Issues with abuse
Initially, Ambien was seen as a less-addictive kind of sedative, especially when you compare it to other drugs like Xanax. The thing is that while it’s true Ambien isn’t as addictive, it still is addictive nonetheless. Like with any prescription pills, the effects of abuse can be pretty dangerous to a person’s health.
One common way people find themselves with an addiction is by building up a dependence. As they continue to take the drug, they’ll need more to get the same effect. Eventually, they may not be able to fall asleep at all without the drug. Other people may abuse it to achieve a high, which usually requires a high dosage.
Possible dangers
People who abuse Ambien also tend to mix it with other drugs. By combining a “weaker” drug with a stronger one, they try to increase its effect. For instance, alcohol is something people will mix with Ambien to create a stronger depressive effect. Other sedatives are also popular choices.
Of course, doing this or taking too much of the drug solo can be very dangerous. Due to how it directly targets the brain and nerves, it could cause serious damage to them. The heart and lungs are also at risk, and respiratory failure can be both a common and fatal outcome.