Ambien Side Effects: Adverse Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms of Zolpidem Explained

In this article, we’ll take a look at the side effects associated with Ambien (Zolpidem), including both the common and rare ones you may experience. We’ll also examine the potential withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping the medication, as well as best practices for managing your treatment. If you are currently taking Ambien or considering it for sleep-related issues, it’s important to understand how it may affect your health and when you should reach out to your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about Ambien side effects:

Ambien (Zolpidem) can cause mild but frequent side effects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, dry mouth, and tiredness.
Although uncommon, serious side effects such as memory loss, hallucinations, falls, delusions, depression and severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Stopping Ambien, especially after long-term or high-dose use, may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, physical discomfort (e.g., nausea and sweating) and cognitive issues like confusion.
Ambien should be taken as prescribed, avoiding alcohol or other sedatives, and users should refrain from activities like driving that require alertness. Proper storage is essential to prevent misuse.
Any severe side effects, concerns about withdrawal symptoms, or questions about Ambien use should prompt consultation with a healthcare provider. Never start or stop Ambien without professional guidance.

What are the most common side effects of Ambien (Zolpidem)?

As with all other medications, some users may experience side effects when they are using Ambien (Zolpidem). Some side effects are more common than others, meaning they will affect more people. The most common side effects of Ambien (Zolpidem) include [1]:

Dizziness - Dizziness or light-headedness may occur, especially when standing up too quickly.
Nausea/Vomiting - Some people may experience stomach discomfort that leads to nausea or vomiting.
Diarrhoea - Ambien can sometimes cause digestive upset that leads to diarrhoea.
Back pain - Muscle or back pain may also be caused by Ambien.
Metallic taste in the mouth - Some users experience a metallic/bitter taste after taking Ambien that lasts for a short amount of time.
Dry mouth - Ambien can cause dryness in the mouth that can make it hard to swallow.
Headaches - Headaches may occur shortly after taking the medication.
Tiredness - Ambien is a sedative that may make you feel unusually tired during the day.

What are the rare and serious side effects?

While most people tolerate Ambien (Zolpidem) without serious issues, there are some rare but serious side effects that users should be aware of. If you experience any of the following, it is important to stop taking Ambien and contact a doctor or seek urgent medical help:

Memory loss - Some users may experience sudden memory loss, particularly events that occur after taking the medication.
Falls - Ambien can cause dizziness and confusion that can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older users.
Hallucinations - Seeing or hearing things that are not real is rare but can occur when using Ambien.
Depression - Feeling sad or having a low mood, which may indicate depression, can occur when taking Ambien.
Delusions - Some users may experience delusions where they believe something is true when it is not.
Serious allergic reactions - Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) may cause symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing or rashes.

Is there a risk of Ambien withdrawal symptoms when stopping treatment?

Yes, there is a risk of withdrawal symptoms when stopping Ambien (Zolpidem), particularly if the medication has been used for an extended period or at high doses. The withdrawal process can be both physically and emotionally difficult, with symptoms varying in severity. Symptoms include [2]:

Sleep problems

Rebound insomnia is one of the most common symptoms. This is where your sleep patterns temporarily worsen after stopping Ambien. This may make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Physical symptoms - nausea, headaches, sweating

Withdrawal can cause physical discomfort, with symptoms including nausea, headaches, sweating and general feelings of unease or discomfort.

Anxiety & change in mood

Increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings are common emotional symptoms during withdrawal. Some individuals may also feel generally more stressed or unstable during this period.

Loss of memory and confusion

Some people may experience temporary cognitive issues such as memory problems or confusion. They may also experience sensory disturbances like tingling sensations or a heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

Best practices if you are taking Ambien or Zolpidem:

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, taking only the prescribed dose

Always take Ambien exactly as prescribed and do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid adverse effects or dependency [3]. If you have any concerns about your dosage or how to use the medication, get in touch with your doctor for advice before using it.

Avoid combining Ambien with alcohol or other sedatives

Mixing Ambien with alcohol or other sedative medications can enhance its effects, increasing the risk of severe drowsiness, breathing difficulties, or dangerous side effects [4].

Discuss any other medications with your doctor to prevent interactions

Make sure your doctor knows about any other medications or supplements you’re taking to avoid harmful interactions with Ambien.

Don't drive or operate heavy machinery (there's a risk of feeling drowsy)

Ambien can cause drowsiness and impair coordination or reaction times, so it’s important not to drive or perform tasks requiring alertness after taking it.

Store Ambien securely, away from children and others for whom it was not prescribed

Keep Ambien in a secure location, away from children and anyone for whom it has not been prescribed, to prevent accidental improper use.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

It’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any side effects while taking Ambien, particularly if they are severe or disruptive. You should also seek medical advice if you have concerns about withdrawal symptoms, need support managing anxiety, or have questions about your treatment.

Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on using Ambien safely and may suggest alternative treatments if needed. Always consult with a medical professional before starting or stopping Ambien to ensure your safety and well-being.