Insomnia Treatment: How Ambien Can Help
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder where people struggle to fall or stay asleep. People with Insomnia often experience fatigue and irritability, and some even develop impaired cognitive function. But not everything is all dark and gloomy. Insomnia in this day and age is easily manageable. There are several treatment options available to manage Insomnia. One of the most sought-after medicines is Ambien (Generic Name: Zolpidem).
In this article, we will talk about the role of Ambien (Zolpidem) in managing symptoms of Insomnia.
Insomnia: In Brief
Generally, you can categorize Insomnia into two types: Acute (Short-Term) and Chronic (Long-Term).
Acute Insomnia often occurs in response to specific stressors or life events and typically resolves on its own. Chronic Insomnia, on the other hand, persists for at least three nights a week for three months or longer and may have multiple underlying causes.
How Ambien Works in Managing Insomnia?
Ambien is primarily used to treat Insomnia. Belonging to the class of drugs called Sedative-hypnotics, Ambien works as a Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant, allowing you to quickly fall asleep and maintain the sleep pattern for a long time. This makes it a go-to sleeping pill for people experiencing sleeping difficulties.
Quick Onset: Ambien has a relatively fast onset of action, typically within 15-30 minutes after ingestion. Its quick-action formula makes it effective for individuals who struggle for hours in bed with no results.
Sleep Maintenance: The drug also benefits people who often wake up during their sleep. That means getting up at least once at night and struggling at least 20-30 minutes before going back to sleep. Such poor sleep patterns can drastically impact your overall sleep quality. You may experience symptoms like headache, heaviness in the head, poor concentration, sensitivity to light, and more. Ambien can effectively eradicate this issue and make you feel refreshed and energetic the next day.
Important Considerations:
Undoubtedly, Ambien can be an incredibly helpful drug to manage Insomnia, but you should only take it under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
1. Dosage: The dosage of Ambien for an adult varies based on several factors, such as medical history, severity of the condition, and age. For instance, the dosage for older people is often kept lower, while adults with extreme Insomnia can be recommended a higher dosage after careful consideration. It is typically prescribed for short-term use to avoid dependency.
2. Dependency and Tolerance: Prolonged or excessive use of Ambien can lead to tolerance, meaning that higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect. This can potentially result in dependence, so it’s crucial to use Ambien as directed by your physician.
3. Side Effects: Ambien may have side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Individuals should avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, after taking Ambien until they are fully aware of its effects.
Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: Before starting Ambien or any other sleep medication, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider.
A certified professional works to evaluate your condition and assess your medical history before recommending the right treatment. Moreover, a professional will also effectively monitor your condition to see how your body is responding to the treatment. This helps them decide whether to readjust the dosage or look for alternatives. Besides, you must consult your doctor before quitting the medicine, as abruptly stopping it can cause withdrawal symptoms in some people. Your doctor will gradually lower the dosage, ensuring you quit the drug safely.
Conclusion:
Ambien is generally used for treating acute Insomnia and is usually recommended for a couple of weeks. Do not self-medicate yourself or experiment with the dosage. If your Insomnia is chronic, we recommend you consult a sleep specialist for a more comprehensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, behavior therapies, and alternate medications.
