It is crucial to inform your healthcare professional about any existing respiratory conditions or concerns before starting the combined therapy. These extended-release tablets may contain a higher dose of the medication. If a person snorts long-acting Ambien CR, they could experience life-threatening symptoms. Once abuse and addiction are present, it’s incredibly difficult to stop without professional help. Treatment for Ambien addiction can change your life, enabling you to stop all substance abuse and build a better future in recovery.
You can receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience. There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.
The result can be terrifying — memory blackouts, loss of control, respiratory failure, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Ambien, or zolpidem, is a medication prescribed to help those who struggle with insomnia sleep better. Sometimes, though, people use Ambien for reasons other than sleep – they might try snorting it to feel its effects more quickly or intensely. Insufflation causes the substance to hit the bloodstream much faster, producing a more intense high.
- It also increases the risk for dangerous side effects, damage to the nose and other areas of the body, and accidental overdose.
- This fast absorption accelerates the onset of effects and increases the concentration of the drug in the body, which greatly raises the risk of overdose.
- People that abuse Ambien may crush and snort zolpidem tablets in order to amplify the drug’s sedative effects.
- She numbed herself through cutting and meth and it wasn’t long before she found herself in the ICU after attempting to commit suicide.
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Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. People who suffer from Ambien-induced sleep complexities often report amnesia around these events. This means they have no recollection of cooking, eating, or driving while asleep, and usually have to be told about their behavior.
People will have decreased inhibitions, poor judgment, lack of coordination, and slowed reflexes. This intoxicated state can put a person at risk of accidental injury, risky or illegal behaviors, and unprotected sex. Like any medication, Ambien may cause a wide variety of side effects.
The Psychological Impact: When Sleep Becomes Dependence
Even when taken as directed, Ambien can have significant effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being. If a person snorts Ambien, they may engage in risky behaviors, such as driving or cooking while asleep. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple warnings about Ambien’s potential for dangerous sleep behaviors, such as sleep-driving or eating while unconscious.
However, crushing Ambien or snorting sleeping pills is never recommended. The FDA recommends no more than 12.5 mg of Ambien per day for a person to feel the positive effects and avoid negative repercussions. Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder that can include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. With dependence, your body needs a drug for you to feel as you usually do. (Tolerance means you need more of the drug to have the same effect over time.) Either of these conditions may lead to misuse of Ambien or Ambien CR. However, sleep problems such as insomnia may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder in some people.
Mental Health
Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy. Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic medication, often prescribed to help people sleep.
People that abuse Ambien may crush and snort zolpidem tablets in order to amplify the drug’s sedative effects. People may also snort the drug to intensify and prolong feelings of euphoria. When taken as directed, Ambien helps people fall asleep and experience deeper sleep.
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But snorting Ambien isn’t just risky; it’s not a smart move for your health. Despite what some might think, it doesn’t make the experience better, and it can be very dangerous. Let’s learn more about what happens when you snort ambien and the risks involved.
If a person is snorting Ambien, they are more likely to struggle with dependence and abuse. Abusing Ambien through insufflation (snorting) can lead to nasal tissue damage, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. In general, misusing sedative-hypnotics like Ambien should be considered very dangerous due to the risk of overdose. When you take more Ambien than prescribed or take the drug in a way that may intensify its effects (such as snorting it), it can begin to dangerously slow activity in the brain. Also, people who snort Ambien may be tempted to take larger doses than prescribed to intensify the effects, further increasing the risk of overdose. Snorting Ambien heightens the risk of overdose by speeding up the drug’s absorption into the bloodstream.
The Dangers Of Snorting Ambien Zolpidem Insufflation
So, if you’re tempted to snort Ambien for a quick high, think twice about the toll it could take on your nose. The most common reason for Ambien abuse is to achieve feelings of euphoria and relaxation. As a sedative-hypnotic, Ambien slows down the central nervous system, producing relaxing sensations of calmness and sedation. I took one and still woke up in the night (although I didn’t remember talking to someone on the phone prior to falling asleep).
Oct The Dangers Of Snorting Ambien Zolpidem Insufflation
- In many cases, a person’s treatment team may recommend that the client continues with their Ambien treatment by enrolling in a sober living program and/or Aftercare.
- The most common reason for Ambien abuse is to achieve feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
- High doses of Ambien may cause a person to drive while asleep, even if it’s the morning after their nighttime dose.
- This can include dangerous behaviors like wandering, driving, or aggressive actions toward others — all while unaware.
- For more information on the dangers of snorting Ambien, reach out to one of our treatment specialists today.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Ambien misuse, help is within reach. The road to recovery starts with one choice — and it can lead to peace, clarity, and real rest again. Let’s take a look at some of the most concerning dangers of zolpidem insufflation. If you are a medical doctor, clinician, or other professional in a field related to this topic and find errors or inaccuracies within this content, please contact us at
It is important to seek substance abuse treatment if you or a loved one is abusing or is addicted to Ambien. This sedative-hypnotic non-benzodiazepine carries a variety of dangerous side effects, some with permanent consequences. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with substance do people snort ambien use and addiction, treatment options are available. These behaviors can be extremely dangerous, and in some cases, life-threatening.