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Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
Ambien, the brand name for zolpidem, is not a benzodiazepine. Both drugs affect GABA receptors to slow down your brain’s activity, but zolpidem only targets receptors involved in sleep, while benzodiazepines also soothe anxiety and relax muscles.
Many people who are prescribed Ambien for insomnia end up taking higher doses than prescribed, using it longer than recommended, or mixing it with other substances. This causes their body to develop a tolerance and become psychologically dependent on it for sleep.
Reach out to Ardu for expert Ambien detox programs to help you safely overcome dependency and reclaim a healthier, drug-free life.
Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine sedative medication that targets gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) sleep receptors in the brain. It comes in two forms: regular 5–10 milligrams tablets to help you fall asleep, and extended-release CR tablets to keep you asleep longer. Women and older adults typically need lower doses since the drug stays in their system longer.
The medication requires a full 7–8 hours of dedicated sleep time and can cause complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, or sleep-eating with no memory of these events. Ambien is strictly for short-term use (2–4 weeks) because of the high risks of tolerance and dependence. Ambien use requires careful medical supervision and should be considered only after exploring non-pharmaceutical treatments.
People often mistake Ambien for a benzodiazepine because both medications promote sleep and work with GABA receptors in the brain. Ambien acts more selectively on specific sleep receptors, while benzodiazepines have broader effects throughout the nervous system.
People often confuse zolpidem with benzodiazepines because both medications enhance GABA activity in the brain and produce similar calming and sleep-inducing effects. Both are also controlled substances that can cause dependence and require careful prescribing. Their mechanisms and effects are quite distinct.
Because of their effects on the brain’s calming pathways, zolpidem and benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence. Using these medications for a long time makes it harder to stop—your body develops tolerance and faces intense benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Ambien or benzodiazepine dependence, seek expert help. Ardu provides expert benzodiazepine addiction treatment and personalized Ambien rehab programs that help you break free from dependence and take back control of your life.
Ambien does not show up as a benzodiazepine on standard drug tests because it has a completely different molecular structure. Standard drug tests screen for specific metabolites unique to benzodiazepines, which aren’t produced when your body processes Ambien. This also makes false positives for benzodiazepines from Ambien use extremely rare.
Most basic drug panels (such as 5-panel or 12-panel tests) don’t screen for Ambien. To detect Ambien, labs need to use specific tests that look for its unique metabolites. These specialized screenings are typically used only when there’s a specific reason to look for Ambien, such as in certain workplace testing programs or forensic investigations.
The detection window for Ambien is relatively short. The drug can usually be detected in urine for 24–48 hours after use, in blood for around 20 hours, and in saliva for about 8 hours. Hair tests can detect Ambien use for up to 4–5 weeks, but these are rarely used.
If you’re taking Ambien legally with a prescription, inform the testing facility beforehand to avoid any confusion about test results.
Ambien is not classified as a narcotic (opioid). It belongs to a different category of controlled substances. While opioids bind to opioid receptors to relieve pain, Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic medication that works on GABA receptors to induce sleep.
Like narcotics, Ambien is a controlled substance because of its potential for abuse and dependence. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies it as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which indicates it has a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule II narcotics such as oxycodone or morphine.
The drug’s sedative effects and abuse potential mean it’s important to take it exactly as prescribed and only for short-term treatment of insomnia. If you’re struggling with long-term dependence on sleep aids such as zolpidem, opioids, or over-the-counter sleep medications, professional treatment can help you safely manage withdrawal and tackle the underlying causes of your dependency.
Addiction specialists at Ardu’s drug rehab center help you build healthy sleep patterns for long-term well-being. We combine medical detox practices with holistic therapies to restore healthy, natural sleep patterns.
Reach out today, and take the first step toward breaking free from dependency.
Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication known as a “Z-drug.” Unlike traditional sleep medications, Z-drugs induce and maintain sleep by targeting a particular type of GABA receptor in the brain’s sleep centers. The hypnotic classification refers to its primary function of promoting sleep rather than just causing general sedation.
This classification sets it apart from other drug categories such as muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medications that might cause drowsiness as a side effect. Z-drugs were developed as an alternative to older hypnotic medications and aim to provide more targeted sleep benefits with fewer unwanted effects.
While zolpidem shares its hypnotic classification with some other sleep medications, its selective mechanism and focused sleep-inducing properties make it a distinct member of this drug category. Hypnotics still carry a significant risk of physical dependence and addiction, even when taken as prescribed.
Zolpidem carries significant risks for dependence and addiction. Even when taken as prescribed, users can develop physical dependence and psychological addiction within just a few weeks. Medical professionals emphasize that zolpidem should only be used exactly as prescribed and for short periods, usually just a few weeks.
According to a 2021 study, misuse, abuse, dependence, and withdrawal-related problems make up 11% of all adverse reactions to zolpidem. There was a concerning 20.3% rate of fatal outcomes in these cases. Zolpidem was the most commonly falsified prescription drug in France between 2003 and 2010, with abusers taking an average daily dose of 616 mg.
Even patients taking therapeutic doses can develop withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia when stopping the medication suddenly and those who have concurrent substance or alcohol use disorder (AUD) face an increased risk.
For those facing polysubstance dependence involving zolpidem, alcohol, or other substances, our comprehensive care is tailored to the complexities of multiple addictions. Our expert team provides drug and alcohol detox services and integrated therapies to address physical dependence and the underlying emotional triggers.
Zolpidem’s side effects typically occur because of how the drug interacts with GABA receptors throughout the brain and affects different brain functions beyond just sleep. Side effects are more likely to appear when first starting the medication when taking it without a full 7–8 hours of sleep, or at higher doses.
Common side effects of zolpidem use include:
Zolpidem also influences behavior, consciousness, and vital functions such as breathing and heart rhythm, so its use can also cause more serious side effects. They are less common, but they may include:
The drug’s ability to alter consciousness and reduce inhibitions can lead to complex sleep behaviors, while its interaction with other brain receptors can trigger psychiatric symptoms, especially in people with underlying mental health conditions.
Mental health challenges and substance use often form a complex cycle, with each fueling the other. At Ardu, we specialize in dual diagnosis care and offer integrated treatment that addresses your addiction and mental health issues simultaneously.
Learn more about our co-occurring mental disorders treatment and how we help patients overcome sleep problems and mental health challenges through personalized care.
At Ardu, we provide comprehensive treatment for Ambien (zolpidem) dependence, combining medical expertise with proven therapeutic approaches. Our experienced team offers personalized detox programs that address the physical and psychological aspects of sedative-hypnotic drug withdrawal for your safety through 24/7 medical supervision.
Our treatment programs include:
We understand the complex mechanism of action behind Ambien dependence and the associated health risks. Our holistic approach combines medical treatment with non-drug therapies to help you overcome addiction while developing healthy sleep patterns. From managing adverse effects during withdrawal to addressing underlying sleep issues, our team provides comprehensive care through every step of your recovery journey.
Choose Ardu for expert, compassionate care that focuses on sustainable healing and lasting recovery from Ambien addiction. To enroll in our drug rehab program, contact Ardu Recovery Center online or via phone (801-872-8480). We will work with you to find a recovery path that works for you during the detox process and beyond.
Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
Ambien and Xanax have a potential for abuse, but Xanax (a benzodiazepine) is more addictive. Xanax enhances GABA receptor activity across different brain areas, providing quick relief from anxiety disorders and stress, which increases the risk of addiction and overdose. Ambien is more selective in its action, targeting sleep receptors and having a less pronounced impact on anxiety. Despite its lower addiction potential than Xanax, Ambien can still lead to dependence, particularly when used long-term or in higher doses.
Zolpidem is not typically used for anxiety. It does have sedative-hypnotic effects and may temporarily reduce symptoms of anxiety, but it is not designed for long-term anxiety treatment. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Ativan are more appropriate for managing anxiety and panic disorders due to their broader action on GABA receptors across the brain.
Zolpidem should only be used as prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, and using it for anxiety can lead to misuse, dependence, and withdrawal issues. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options for anxiety.
Ambien should be avoided by people with severe liver impairment, a history of substance abuse, or those who have sleep apnea. It is also contraindicated for people allergic to zolpidem or any of its components. If you have recently consumed alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, taking Ambien can lead to excessive sedation and impaired motor skills.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult their healthcare provider before using Ambien, as it can affect the baby. If you have any medical conditions or are on other medications, discuss potential interactions and adverse effects with your doctor.
Ambien is not an opioid. Opioids, such as oxycodone or morphine, act on the opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain. In contrast, Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic that targets GABA receptors to induce sleep.
While both opioids and Ambien can cause sedation, they belong to different drug classes with distinct mechanisms of action. Opioids are primarily prescribed for pain management, while Ambien is used short-term to treat insomnia. Neither drug is without risk, and both should only be taken as prescribed to avoid addiction, dependence, or overdose.
Ambien is not typically included in standard drug tests, which focus on detecting substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Specialized tests can detect zolpidem (Ambien) if needed. If you’re undergoing a drug test for legal, employment, or medical reasons, it’s important to inform the tester about any medications you’re taking, including Ambien.
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic medication, and misuse or taking it without a prescription can have legal consequences and pose serious health risks. There may be potential drug interactions and side effects when using any medication, especially in situations that require drug screening.
Zoloft (sertraline) is not a benzodiazepine. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used primarily to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, work by enhancing GABA activity to calm the central nervous system and are typically prescribed for short-term anxiety management. While both medications can help with anxiety, they operate through different mechanisms. Zoloft works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, whereas benzodiazepines work more directly on GABA receptors, providing faster but potentially more addictive relief.
Ambien and Xanax have addictive potential, but Ambien is considered safer for short-term use. Ambien selectively targets sleep receptors in the brain, and although it can still lead to dependence when misused, it has a lower risk of addiction than Xanax, a benzodiazepine. Xanax, known for its quick onset of action, can cause physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use. While Ambien is typically used for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, Xanax is often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders but can be much more addictive and have stronger side effects such as memory impairment and sedation.
Benzodiazepine sleep medications, such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium, are among the most addictive because of their broad action on GABA receptors across the brain. These medications provide fast-acting relief for anxiety and chronic insomnia but come with potential risks of abuse, dependence, and overdose.
Non-benzodiazepine sleep aids such as Ambien are less addictive but still carry the risk of dependence, especially if used long-term. Among all sleep medications, benzodiazepines are the most addictive due to their potent calming effects and faster development of tolerance and physical dependence.
The safest long-term sleep medication often involves non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which helps address the root causes of sleep problems without the risks of drug dependence. If medication is needed, options such as low-dose melatonin or trazodone, a sedating antidepressant, may be safer for long-term use because of their lower risk of addiction and fewer side effects. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have underlying conditions, such as anxiety or depression, because these can affect the type of treatment that is safest for you.
Ambien is not a barbiturate. Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, are sedative-hypnotic medications that depress the central nervous system and are primarily used for controlling seizures and anxiety in the past. Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic that specifically targets GABA receptors associated with sleep regulation
Although both types of drugs can cause sedation, Ambien is a safer alternative to barbiturates because of a lower risk of overdose and a more targeted action. It still carries risks of dependence and should only be used as prescribed for short-term sleep issues.
PubChem. (n.d.). Zolpidem. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Zolpidem
Edinoff, A. N., Wu, N., Ghaffar, Y. T., Prejean, R., Gremillion, R., Cogburn, M., Chami, A. A., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Zolpidem: Efficacy and Side Effects for Insomnia. Health Psychology Research, 9(1), 24927. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.24927
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