Ambien Addiction

Ambien is a Schedule IV controlled substance available in 5- and 10-mg tablets. A Schedule IV drug has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III. A Schedule IV drug has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Also, a Schedule IV drug may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III.

Patients who abuse prescription sleep aids such as Ambien may form an addiction. Individuals with a history of drug addiction or substance abuse are at increased risk for habituation and Ambien addiction. Therefore, they should be under careful surveillance when taking any hypnotic such as Ambien.

Ambien addiction is often difficult for friends and family to recognize. Contrary to popular belief, one need not abuse drugs daily to have a problem with addiction; the pattern of abuse may be occasional or habitual. The abuse is usually an intensely private affair between the abuser and a bottle of pills. And, the pilltaker is not subject to the social stigma associated with the shadowy world of street drug dealing.

Ambien addiction symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Showing relief from anxiety when using Ambien
• Changes in mood—from a sense of well-being to belligerence
• False feelings of self-confidence
• Increased sensitivity to sights and sounds, including hallucinations
• Altered activity levels—such as sleeping for 12 to 14 hours or frenzied activity lasting for hours
• Unpleasant or painful symptoms when Ambien is withdrawn
• Preoccupation with running out of Ambien