What is a safe way to detox from Ambien? An abrupt stopping of Ambien can be dangerous. Users who are physically or psychologically dependent on Ambien can find it hard to cut it down or stop it because of the withdrawal symptoms.
What to Expect from an Ambien Detox?
There are no standard detoxification procedures for Ambien detox. However there are some general guidelines that can be followed. So what can one expect during Ambien withdrawal and detox?
When an individual stops using Ambien after a period of physical dependence, they can expect to experience some predictable symptoms, namely withdrawal. Some of the withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Insomnia
- Convulsions
- Abdominal and muscle cramps
- Panic attacks
- Tremors
- Nervousness
Rapid Detoxing from Ambien
An individual who wants to detox from Ambien should make sure their detox is supervised by a medical professional, as the only way to detox is to gradually taper off the drug’s dosage until it is completely eliminated from the individual’s system. That being said, gradual drug detox doesn’t work for everyone, and in these cases drug replacement therapy could be performed, where a similar drug with a longer half life is substituted for the Ambien.
In the case of an extreme situation when an individual can’t or won’t taper off the drug dosage, there is the option of hospitalization and rapid detoxification. A rapid detoxification takes place with a continuous flumazenil infusion. When flumazenil is administered continuously, it allows for Ambien to be discontinued abruptly, which is what leads to the rapid detox. This is a procedure that should only be performed by physicians and medical professionals.
How to Safely Detox from Ambien
It is dangerous to stop taking Ambien cold turkey due to the very real risk of seizures. Neither should the daily dosage be reduced too quickly. To safely quit Ambien, here are some expert recommended options:
- Start with a gradual tapering of the Ambien. This tapering could be conducted over several weeks, or even months. It is better to take the right amount of time, as spaced gradual tapering will causes fewer withdrawal symptoms and less insomnia.
- Switching to a benzodiazepines could be therapeutic, especially for those individuals who have a serious abuse problem.
- One could consider using anticonvulsants like carbamazepine, or a sedating antidepressant like trazodone during withdrawal.
- And finally, there are many cognitive and behavioral techniques which can assist a taper.
Are you interested in Ambien detox and treatment techniques? Hired Power has the resources to help you. Call us on 1-800-910-9299.
