Sleeping pills are among the most commonly used medications today. This highlights the fact that insomnia is one of the most widespread psychological issues that modern individuals face. Zolpidem is a medication frequently prescribed to treat the symptoms of insomnia. But is this sleep medicine truly an effective tool in the battle against insomnia? How dangerous is zolpidem?
Zolpidem – Solution for insomnia or not?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder. More precisely, insomnia refers to a condition where a person experiences difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It also refers to the situation when a person wakes up too early, with a shortened sleep duration, and then struggles to fall back asleep.
A person suffering from insomnia does not feel rested during the day, is often irritable and anxious, and has difficulty concentrating.
Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It is estimated that 30 to 35 percent of adults experience short-term insomnia, while about 10 percent are diagnosed with chronic insomnia.
There can be many reasons for insomnia: stress, disruption of the circadian rhythm due to travel or night shifts, eating large meals before bed, and more. Insomnia can also result from a poor or disturbed sleep pattern. Among other factors, brain stimulation before bed—such as watching TV or looking at a mobile phone screen—drinking coffee, an uncomfortable bed, or going to sleep in the early hours of the morning can contribute to insomnia.
In the cases mentioned, we are referring to primary insomnia, where the condition is not specifically linked to any particular health issue. However, if insomnia is the result of a specific health problem—such as cancer, depression, asthma, chronic pain, diabetes, heart problems, or gastroesophageal reflux disease—then it is classified as secondary insomnia.
Sleeping pills are specialised medications intended for the treatment of insomnia. Is zolpidem the solution to insomnia? What are the best sleeping pills? How do sleeping pills work? What are their contraindications, and can they cause addiction? Find out in our blog.
What are sleeping pills?
How addictive is Zolpidem sleeping medicine?
Zolpidem sleeping medicine, like other sleeping medications, can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Although we will discuss in more detail later how zolpidem can lead to addiction and what its symptoms are, we first want to highlight the dangers of abusing any sleeping medication.
As we have mentioned, any sleeping medication is intended to be a short-term remedy for insomnia. The main reason for this is that, although sleeping pills belong to the group of non-benzodiazepine drugs, they carry an extremely high potential for abuse and addiction.
Despite this, many people in Serbia, as well as around the world, become addicted to these drugs. Moreover, a large proportion of the population mistakenly believes that it is not possible to become addicted to them, with many claiming that this is exactly what their chosen doctor told them. Unfortunately, many users of sleeping pills underestimate the “power” of these substances, which can take complete control over every aspect of their lives.
The excessive use of sleeping medications, including Zolpidem, inevitably leads to the development of tolerance. As tolerance increases, individuals often find themselves requiring progressively higher doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. In many cases, it is only upon discontinuation that individuals become aware of their dependence, realising they are unable to function without the medication. This moment marks the recognition of addiction and highlights the fact that sleeping pills are far from benign substances, contrary to common misconceptions.
Symptoms of Zolpidem Addiction and Abuse:
- Slurred speech
- Uncoordinated movements
- Unsteady gait
- Daytime sleepiness
- Vertigo
- Dry mouth
- Inability to concentrate
- Impaired memory and memory loss
- Unusual euphoria
- Slow breathing
- Craving for the drug
People who abuse sleeping pills may experience seizures. They can also suffer allergic reactions that may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling, and even coma.
There are also reports suggesting that sleeping pills can trigger a condition known as parasomnia. This is a sleep disorder that includes sleepwalking. More specifically, parasomnia refers to abnormal movements, behaviours, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur while falling asleep, during sleep, between sleep stages, or upon waking.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious issue for which the only solution is appropriate medical treatment. In addition to addiction, hypnotics (sleeping medications) present another concern. Sleeping pills significantly shorten the REM sleep phase, which is the most crucial part of sleep when the brain is at its most restful. As a result, any sleeping medication, including Zolpidem, diminishes the quality of sleep. Therefore, it should only be considered a short-term solution for insomnia.
What are the best sleeping pills, and is Zolpidem among them?
When a person suffers from insomnia, it’s inevitable that they will eventually ask the following questions: What are the best sleeping pills? Which sleeping medication should I take? What makes a substance an effective remedy for restful sleep?
In the text so far, we’ve discussed pharmacological sleep medications that belong to the group of hypnotics-sedatives. However, when considering the best sleep medications, it’s important to recognise that there are three categories of these medications:
- Natural remedies for sleep
- Hypnotics-sedatives
- Antihistamines with a sedative effect
Sleep Medications and Their Classification
The first group of sleep medications includes natural sleep preparations, mostly plant-based. One of the main advantages of these medications is that they do not cause addiction or daily sedation. However, their disadvantage is that they are often not effective, though this can vary from person to person. This group includes valerian, melatonin, herbal sleeping drops, and similar remedies.
The second group of drugs consists of pharmacological medications that have hypnotic (soporific) and sedative effects (tranquilisers). In a broader sense, hypnotics encompass drugs from both the benzodiazepine group and non-benzodiazepine medications.
The group of benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs includes, for example, midazolam, nitrazepam, brotizolam, and triazolam, but these medications can also cause daytime sleepiness. This is why non-benzodiazepine hypnotics were developed in the 1980s, which, when taken as prescribed by a doctor, do not cause daytime sleepiness or memory problems. These drugs include, among others, Zolpidem (also known as Stilnoct, Adorma, Ambien, and Zolpimist).
The third group of drugs includes certain anti-allergy medications that also have a hypnotic effect. These drugs can develop tolerance quickly and should not be used as a long-term solution for insomnia.
Ultimately, there is no definitive answer to the question of which are the best sleeping pills. The reason lies in the fact that each person suffering from insomnia is unique, and their symptoms manifest in different ways. Therefore, when it comes to the best sleep medications, it is advisable to consult your doctor to determine which medication is suitable for your specific case and overall health condition.
What is Zolpidem Medicine?
We have mentioned several times that Zolpidem is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for the treatment of sleep disorders. This raises several questions: What is Zolpidem sleeping medication? What are its effects? Why is Zolpidem misused, and how dangerous is it? How does Zolpidem cause addiction?
Zolpidem is a medication prescribed to adults for the short-term treatment of more severe forms of insomnia. This applies to cases where insomnia is so intense that it impairs the quality of life and daily functioning. The active substance in Zolpidem is zolpidem tartrate, and it belongs to a relatively new group of hypnotics. Chemically, Zolpidem is classified as an imidazopyridine.
Zolpidem is prescribed to people who have trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night, or waking up too early. Additionally, Zolpidem comes in the form of a tablet and is taken orally. It is not intended for daily use over an extended period.
For the treatment of insomnia, one tablet of Zolpidem (10 mg) is typically taken daily. Since Zolpidem is a fast-acting sleeping medication, it should be taken at bedtime. It is important to take Zolpidem exactly as prescribed by the doctor, with the usual treatment duration ranging from several days to two weeks.
Zolpidem is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or individuals under the age of 18. The maximum duration of Zolpidem therapy is up to four weeks. However, during this time, there is a period of gradual dose reduction. The problem arises when this guideline is often exceeded, and individuals begin to misuse Zolpidem, unknowingly becoming dependent on it.
Some of the other names for Zolpidem include:
- Stilnox
- Ambien
- Belbien
- Lunata
- Zolpimist
- Zolsana
How does Zolpidem sleep medicine work?
Zolpidem, as we mentioned, has a hypnotic effect. It works by activating a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. But what does that mean?
This means that Zolpidem, by activating the GABA neurotransmitter, works by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system and the brain. By reducing nerve activity in the brain, Zolpidem helps a person fall asleep more quickly and prolongs the duration of sleep.
In this way, Zolpidem produces a strong sedative effect by binding to neuroreceptors that inhibit brain activity.
Since Zolpidem is a fast-release sleep medication, both its hypnotic (soporific) and sedative effects occur quickly. For this reason, Zolpidem should be taken immediately before going to bed. It reduces psychomotor functions, which is why it must not be taken before driving or operating machinery.
Zolpidem, as a hypnotic, was originally developed as an alternative to benzodiazepine drugs, which became notorious for their high potential for addiction. However, although addiction to Zolpidem generally develops more slowly than with benzodiazepines, it is still an addictive substance.
Furthermore, although it belongs to the non-benzodiazepine class, Zolpidem has a similar potential for abuse and addictive mechanisms as benzodiazepines such as bromazepam. Abuse of Zolpidem and its long-term use have been linked to serious negative health issues, including infections, breathing difficulties, and acid reflux.
Sleep Medicines – Why Do People Misuse Zolpidem?
Although Zolpidem, like any other medication, can have side effects, it is relatively safe when used exactly as prescribed by a doctor. For this reason, a follow-up medical check-up is required between seven and fourteen days after starting treatment with Zolpidem.
However, the reality is that many people not only take Zolpidem without medical supervision, but also exceed the recommended dosages and duration of use. Each of these patterns of use is considered abuse and can lead to serious health complications. Even taking an extra Zolpidem tablet as a “little help” to fall asleep counts as misuse.
If someone begins using Zolpidem in a way that is not intended, they may soon develop an increased desire and craving for the drug. Paradoxically, Zolpidem may then become less effective, potentially leading the person to take even higher doses.
Tolerance to Zolpidem Builds Up Quickly!
Once a person develops a tolerance to Zolpidem, they will require higher doses to be able to fall asleep. This is often the first step towards Zolpidem addiction, which can lead to significant health issues such as nausea, difficulty concentrating, and psychological problems.
Zolpidem should be taken just before bedtime, but some people have been known to take it hours earlier. This can lead to a feeling of euphoria, which may encourage them to repeat this misuse once the effect wears off.
Zolpidem is considered a safer alternative to benzodiazepine sedatives due to its lower potential for overdose. However, recognising the signs of an overdose can be difficult, as the symptoms often resemble the drug’s usual effects.
As a CNS depressant, Zolpidem, when taken in large doses, can slow the user’s breathing and/or heart rate to the point of respiratory failure. This can result in a fatal overdose. Unusually slow breathing or heart rate are strong indicators that a person is abusing Zolpidem.
How Dangerous is Zolpidem?
One of the frequently asked questions regarding Zolpidem is: how dangerous is it? What are its side effects? What can go wrong when taking Zolpidem sleeping medication?
First of all, Zolpidem, like all other medications, has certain side effects, or unwanted effects. However, these side effects may not occur in everyone. For example, some of the side effects of Zolpidem, when taken according to the doctor’s instructions, can include:
- Allergic reactions
- Swelling of the face, lips, and throat, swelling of the legs and arms, itching, and rash
- Fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Worsening of insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Retrograde amnesia
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory tract infections
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Ataxia (gait disorder)
- Increased sweating
- Difficulty speaking
- Mild light-headedness
- Muscle weakness
So, these are some of the health risks associated with the regular use of Zolpidem. However, how dangerous is Zolpidem? In other words, do the side effects of Zolpidem become more intense when this sleep medication is abused?
As a person takes more Zolpidem, their tolerance to the drug increases. Consequently, the person will need to take more than one pill to fall asleep. When abusing Zolpidem, a person may behave in extremely strange and bizarre ways, often without remembering their actions. For now, we will mention just some of the symptoms of Zolpidem abuse:
- Excessive sociability and talkativeness
- Frequent fainting
- Strange behaviour that the person does not remember
- Sleepwalking and engaging in certain activities during sleep
- Hypersexual behaviour
- Lack of coordination and balance
1) How Dangerous is Zolpidem – Physical and Psychological Unwanted Effects of Abuse of This Medication
Unfortunately, an increasing number of people are turning to sleeping medications like Zolpidem in order to fall asleep more quickly or extend the quality of their sleep. However, without medical guidance, taking Zolpidem can be extremely dangerous, as it can create a habit, and from that habit, addiction can develop. The first signs of Zolpidem abuse are not always easy to notice, which is why it is important to recognise the unwanted effects of abusing this medication:
- General weakness
- Excessive sleepiness
- Problems with coordination
- Feeling drugged
- Uncontrollable tremors throughout the body
- Short-term memory loss
- Slow or fast heartbeat
- Slow breathing
- Hallucinations
- Aggressiveness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Nightmares
- Slow reflexes and slowed reaction time
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviour
There are also certain physical signs and symptoms of Zolpidem abuse:
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Problems with coordination
- Amnesia and memory loss
- Vertigo
- Drowsiness the following day
- Sleepwalking
- Hallucinations, which can occur in patients who continuously use Zolpidem over an extended period.
2) How Dangerous is Zolpidem and the Long-term Side Effects of Abusing This Drug
When taken over a long period of time, even with a prescription, the use of Zolpidem can lead to addiction. This is because tolerance builds up, and the person then attempts to take a higher dose of the drug.
Zolpidem is a medication recommended for short-term use. Any prolonged or continuous intake of Zolpidem can cause serious health risks.
When Zolpidem is abused over the long term, some of the long-term side effects of such abuse include:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Recurring headaches
- Drowsiness during the day
- Nightmares
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Muscle pain
- Problems with muscle control
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive problems
3) Zolpidem Sleep Medicine and Disturbing Health Risks
Zolpidem sleep medicine has many potentially serious side effects that can lead to health damage. These include, among others, complex and bizarre behaviour during sleep, abnormal behavioural changes (e.g., depression and suicidal thoughts and actions), and overdose.
A person’s risk of experiencing disturbing and dangerous side effects is greater with long-term use of Zolpidem, as well as with use in higher doses. This is especially true for women and people over the age of 65. Additionally, disturbing health effects can occur if Zolpidem is combined with opiates, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants (such as alcohol).
Some of these disturbing effects of Zolpidem abuse involve certain behaviours of the person and their engagement in complicated activities without remembering those activities! Among others, it can include:
- Sleepwalking
- Making and eating food
- Driving a vehicle
- Phone conversations
Zolpidem sleep medicine inhibits the brain’s natural activity, inducing drowsiness to the point of intense sedation and calmness. People who take Zolpidem and force themselves to stay awake have a much higher risk of engaging in unconscious actions and not remembering them later.
Some other disturbing risks of Zolpidem abuse are depression, fatal fainting spells, suicidal behaviour, anxiety, hallucinations, and drug overdose. Combining Zolpidem with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, greatly increases the risk of overdose, respiratory failure, and death.
Also, when Zolpidem is taken together with antidepressants, tranquilizers, or anxiety medications, the person is more likely to experience hallucinations.
Addiction to Zolpidem
Addiction to Zolpidem can impair every aspect of a person’s life, including physical and psychological health and well-being.
As we pointed out, Zolpidem was primarily produced as an alternative and replacement for benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines indiscriminately affect all GABA receptors, Zolpidem “targets” specific GABA receptors. For this reason, it was once believed that sleeping pills, including Zolpidem, could not cause addiction, or that the risk of addiction to Zolpidem was minimal.
However, in practice, these claims did not hold true. Although Zolpidem does indeed have a lower addictive potential than benzodiazepines, this does not make it any less addictive. On the contrary.
Many people have the mistaken belief that Zolpidem is safe to use regardless of the dose because it was prescribed to them by a doctor. However, prescription sleep medications such as Zolpidem can become addictive in a very short time.
After just one to two weeks, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to Zolpidem, a sleeping medication. At that point, the individual may find it nearly impossible to stop taking Zolpidem. In such cases, the person tends to increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved, further building tolerance to the drug.
An additional unwanted effect of long-term Zolpidem use is the worsening of insomnia symptoms when the dose is reduced or the medication is suddenly discontinued.
It is crucial to understand how easily dependence on Zolpidem can develop. Any attempt to stop taking Zolpidem without medical supervision is risky and potentially dangerous due to the severe symptoms of withdrawal.
Zolpidem and signs of addiction
Due to the popularity and widespread use of Zolpidem as a sleep medication, many people who are prescribed the drug will abuse it without realising the risks involved. We have already seen how dangerous Zolpidem can be and the effects it can have.
However, addiction to Zolpidem is also one of the more serious consequences of abusing this drug, which can completely destroy the life of a person and their loved ones.
Addiction to Zolpidem can occur even if a person uses this sleep medicine in therapeutic doses, as prescribed by the doctor!
Taking Zolpidem in larger doses can also cause a feeling of euphoria (“high”), similar to that experienced by people who use heroin or cocaine. This is just one more reason that encourages a person to use Zolpidem even more, which creates a habit and addictive behaviour.
These are some of the signs and symptoms of Zolpidem addiction:
- Take larger doses of Zolpidem or take it more frequently than recommended.
- Any attempt to reduce or stop using Zolpidem will end in failure.
- A person spends a lot of time, energy, and money on obtaining, using, and recovering from the consequences of using Zolpidem.
- Failure to fulfil professional, academic, or personal obligations due to the use of Zolpidem.
- Craving to use Zolpidem (psychological dependence).
- Continued use of Zolpidem, despite the fact that it causes interpersonal problems.
- Giving up hobbies and activities that were once important to the person, in order to use Zolpidem.
- Taking Zolpidem in risky and dangerous situations (while driving or operating machinery).
- Continuing to take Zolpidem, even though the person is aware that this sleep medication causes or has the potential to cause or worsen existing physical and mental health problems.
- Taking larger doses of Zolpidem in order to achieve the desired effect (physical dependence and tolerance).
- Withdrawal crisis in case of dose reduction or sudden cessation of taking this medicine.
Zolpidem and Valium - Differences and Similarities
One can often hear the question whether Zolpidem and Valium are the same drugs in terms of their effects? Can Zolpidem and Valium be taken together? What are the consequences when Zolpidem and Valium are combined?
Let’s make a general clarification when it comes to Zolpidem and Valium.
As we have pointed out in several places, Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine sleep medicine. It belongs to the hypnotic/sedative drug class and is intended for short-term use only. Zolpidem activates specific GABA neurotransmitters, which slows down brain and CNS activity. The consequence of that is sedation, i.e., sleepiness.
On the other hand, Valium is a drug that belongs to the group of benzodiazepine drugs. Like Zolpidem, Valium is a central nervous system depressant and can be used for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders.
But, in addition to treating insomnia, the Valium drug is used primarily as a sedative, that is, for the treatment of anxiety, restlessness, anxiety, and tension. Unlike Zolpidem, Valium also has a muscle relaxant effect, meaning it can be used to relax muscles.
Both Zolpidem and Valium can cause addiction, with the difference that the addictive potential of Valium is greater compared to Zolpidem, a sleep medicine. The Zolpidem drug is designed to have identical medicinal effects to benzodiazepines such as Valium, with a lower risk of abuse and addiction. Despite this, in practice, it has been shown that both Zolpidem and Valium have a very similar potential for abuse and addiction.
Zolpidem and Valium - Similarities
Both Zolpidem and Valium are central nervous system depressants. Therefore, both drugs slow down the activities of the central nervous system, activating and enhancing the activity of the GABA neurotransmitter.
Also, Zolpidem and Valium can be used to treat insomnia. With Zolpidem, it is the predominant purpose, while with Valium, it is one of the purposes. Both Zolpidem and Valium can cause addiction, as well as an abstinence crisis in the case of sudden discontinuation of the drug.
However, Zolpidem withdrawal symptoms tend to be less severe and dangerous than Valium withdrawal symptoms. Likewise, Zolpidem and Valium cause certain similar and overlapping side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Disturbance of balance and coordination
- Dry mouth
Zolpidem and Valium - Differences
The main difference between Zolpidem and Valium is that Zolpidem is a sleep medicine (hypnotic) and is not a benzodiazepine. Zolpidem only selectively acts on certain GABA receptors (such as omega receptors), which means that it does not have a muscle relaxant effect.
Valium, on the other hand, acts indiscriminately on all GABA receptors, which is why it causes sedation even after waking (whereas Zolpidem does not). Zolpidem is a hypnotic, while Valium is an anxiolytic and belongs to the benzodiazepine class.
Zolpidem is a medicine used solely and exclusively for the treatment of insomnia. Valium is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, seizures, nervousness, and muscle spasms. The effects of taking Valium can differ from those of Zolpidem. These may include changes in appetite, constipation, dizziness, reduced libido, weight gain, and more.
Zolpidem sleep medicine should never be combined with Valium!
Taking Zolpidem alongside other medications is always a red flag and a cause for concern! The side effects of Zolpidem can only be intensified if this sleep medicine is combined with other medicines, such as antidepressants, tranquillisers, or painkillers.
Unfortunately, Zolpidem is often taken together with alcohol, which is a dangerous combination. This is especially the case with people who have become tolerant to Zolpidem, so they try to increase the sedative effect of this drug with alcohol. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, and their combined use can lead to respiratory arrest.
The same applies to the combination of Zolpidem and Valium. Namely, Zolpidem and Valium should never be taken together. Not only is the risk of respiratory failure high, but a fatal overdose can also occur. In addition, when Zolpidem and Valium are taken together, significant damage to the brain, lungs and heart can occur.
In combination, Zolpidem and Valium intensify and reinforce each other’s side effects.
How is Zolpidem use disorder and addiction treated?
We can see that the Zolpidem drug has serious adverse health effects—whether it is used according to the doctor’s instructions or not. Abuse of Zolpidem inevitably leads to addiction, an all-consuming disease that disrupts the normal course of life for the addict.
Once they realise that they are addicted to Zolpidem, many individuals attempt to wean themselves off the use of this drug. However, coming off Zolpidem alone almost always ends in failure, due to serious withdrawal symptoms.
Among others, these symptoms include:
- High body temperature
- Excessive sweating
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Abdominal cramps and pains
- Nervousness and irritability
- Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
- Panic attacks
- Uncontrollable crying
- High blood pressure and seizures
- Confusion, delirium and disorientation
- Insomnia and sleep problems
The only safe and proven way to stop using Zolpidem is through professional treatment and medically supervised detoxification. This approach helps reduce the intensity of the symptoms mentioned, while minimising the risk of relapse.
In other words, only through treatment in a qualified institution can a person finally overcome their addiction to Zolpidem and stop misusing this drug for good.
Let Zolpidem medicine become a thing of the past with MedTim!
MedTim addiction treatment clinic is a modern hospital for the treatment of use disorders and addiction to any substance, including addiction to Zolpidem. Whatever the severity of the addiction, our team of world-renowned doctors is here to enable you or someone close to you to get rid of Zolpidem forever!
With a high percentage of success, we have cured even the most demanding cases of addiction to numerous psychoactive substances. We achieved this thanks to an individual approach, revolutionary treatment programmes and the application of treatments in line with the latest medical standards.
Treatment of abuse and addiction to Zolpidem at the MedTim clinic lasts from 7 to 14 days – without substitution medication at the end of the treatment! What makes us different and more successful than others is the use of safe and painless detoxification, which completely cleanses the patient’s body of all toxins and by-products of Zolpidem. This means that during the detoxification programme, the patient will not experience any unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal, while the risk of relapse is minimised.
In addition to physical dependence, we also treat psychological dependence on Zolpidem. Psychotherapy, with a focus on cognitive behavioural therapy, helps the patient to change their attitudes, habits, and beliefs that led to the illness of addiction. Our team of psychologists and psychiatrists work together to uncover and resolve the root of the problem, supporting the patient in understanding the cause of their misuse of Zolpidem.
Following inpatient treatment and discharge from the clinic, we provide all patients with ongoing outpatient support and care – outside the hospital – for a period of 12 months. We are always here for the patient’s family, offering guidance and support whenever it is needed.
If you or someone close to you is facing challenges with Zolpidem misuse and addiction, you can call us now and book a free consultation. MedTim, together with your trust, is a team that overcomes any addiction.
