Also known by its generic name, zolpidem, Ambien is a popular sedative used to treat insomnia in adults. It acts on the brain to promote calming effects, but can it also cause a high? Absolutely. Ambien has been known to create a euphoric high and sometimes even hallucinations.
When adults have a hard time falling asleep and suffer insomnia, Ambien can help them fall asleep faster in order to produce a better night’s rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which act on the brain to produce a calming effect. It is recommended to only take Ambien when a full 7-8 hours of sleep is available, because its peak effect occurs between 1.5-2 hours after first falling asleep. In addition, it’s only recommended to take for a short-term period because of its potential to become addictive.
For most people who take Ambien as directed, they’ll receive relief from their sleeping problems. However, those who choose to abuse the medication either attempt to stay awake after taking it, or take more than directed, do so to achieve its euphoric high, which can sometimes include hallucinations. For those who take Ambien as directed, it is highly unlikely to experience euphoria or hallucinations, so stick to the recommended dosage and directions.
Side effects of taking Ambien are directly related to the central nervous system, as this is the part of the body that the drug effects. These can include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- lightheadedness
- headache
- difficulty with balance
- ringing ears
- headache
- ringing ears, pain or itching in the ears
- pain, numbness, or a burning feeling in extremities
- uncontrollably shaking in one part of the body
Some people abuse Ambien by mixing it with other drugs or alcohol, which is very dangerous. Mixing this medication with other substances can increase the risk of adverse effects, or ever overdose. Alcohol, other sedatives, and central nervous systems depressants are particularly risky to mix with Ambien.
Ambien can cause an array of side effects when abused. If the user doesn’t sleep for a full 7-8 hours, they can experience sleep walking and doing other activities while asleep and having no memory of their actions the next day. Those who use Ambien longer than the directed amount of time may develop a tolerance, and subsequently experience withdrawal effects if they quit using. If you crave Ambien and use it to experience a euphoric high, you may have an addiction.
It’s always wise to seek professional help when dealing with a dangerous habit or addiction, so contact LEAD Recovery for assistance. Call today at 800-380-0012.
