Even when taken as prescribed, it’s not advised to take Ambien for more than two weeks. Individuals that take Ambien for longer than two weeks may experience diminished sleep quality. The body can become physically unable to draw in enough air to support its needs, which can potentially cause permanent brain damage or death. This risk is even greater if Ambien is taken with alcohol or other drugs that can depress breathing. 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. Snorting increases this risk significantly, as higher doses trigger more extreme disconnection from reality.
What Are the Dangers Specific to Snorting Ambien?
Repeated drug use further irritates the mucous membrane, potentially causing inflammation and nasal damage. Engaging in any of these complex sleep behaviors is very dangerous, potentially resulting in accident or injury. The body was never meant to absorb zolpidem through nasal passages. The drug’s chemicals and fillers can burn and damage sensitive tissue, leading to permanent sinus infections, nasal collapse, and respiratory issues.
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.
Let’s learn more about what happens when you snort ambien and the risks involved. 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. Snorting Ambien may seem like a shortcut to relief or escape, but it’s a shortcut to destruction.
It can cause damage to the nose, accidental overdose, and unconscious behaviors while sleeping. In some cases, people who snort Ambien in the long-term may become dependent or addicted to the drug, resulting in dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to quit. Even though it is considered safe when taken as prescribed, abusing Ambien by means of insufflation can even lead to hallucinations, psychosis, and suicidal thoughts. This long-term use can make drug users more susceptible to all of these dangers. First off, snorting any medication, including Ambien, can lead to serious health problems. When you snort Ambien, it hits your bloodstream faster than if you were to swallow it.
Many public and private insurance plans can help offset the cost of addiction treatment. Additionally, most states offer insurance vouchers to help ensure treatment is available for those who need it. Zolpidem has mild interactions with at least 98 different drugs. Zolpidem has moderate interactions with at least 30 different drugs. Let’s take a look at some of the most concerning dangers of zolpidem insufflation.
Snorting ambien
Long-term Ambien abuse may cause the nasal passages to become blocked, making breathing and smelling difficult. Chronic insufflation may also lead to loss of smell, whistling noises from the nose, or changes in the way someone’s voice sounds. This risk is present in people taking Ambien as prescribed, but it is heightened if the drug is abused. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm when taking Ambien, talk to a doctor immediately. Snorting Ambien may seem like a quick way to feel its effects, but it’s one of the most dangerous ways to abuse the drug.
- Sometimes, though, people use Ambien for reasons other than sleep – they might try snorting it to feel its effects more quickly or intensely.
- This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects.
- This rapid absorption can overload your system, increasing the risk of harmful side effects and complications.
- Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment.
- It’s important to know the symptoms of an Ambien overdose, especially if a person takes more than one prescription.
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Zolpidem?
The FDA now urges doctors to caution all patients about next-morning impairment. This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.
- Ambien works to slow down activity in the brain, and help people fall asleep.
- Repeated drug use further irritates the mucous membrane, potentially causing inflammation and nasal damage.
- Zolpidem has moderate interactions with at least 30 different drugs.
- People that abuse Ambien may crush and snort zolpidem tablets in order to amplify the drug’s sedative effects.
- There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.
- The human nose is sensitive and can be damaged by snorting any substance.
Ambien Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
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. Some people using the drug have been known to hallucinate or experience amnesia, which further blurs the lines of reality. Avenues Recovery is a community-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with locations across the United States. You can receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience.
Ambien Abuse Increases The Risk of Dangerous Sleep-Related Behaviors
It can have psychoactive effects if taken other than prescribed. Possible psychoactive effects of snorting Ambien include hallucinations, but it may cause trouble concentrating, focusing and with coordination. Even when taken as prescribed, Ambien may cause memory loss if it’s taken without a full 7–8 hours sleep. Those wondering what happens if you snort sleeping pills should understand that the nasal route bypasses normal metabolism, making side effects more intense and unpredictable. Snorting Ambien to get high can cause potential problems for a person physically.
Learn more about what happens when Ambien goes into the system and what happens if you snort sleeping pills instead of taking them as prescribed. If you or someone you know has been snorting Ambien, it’s time to consider getting help. Addiction treatment centers can help you overcome Ambien addiction with the help of medical detox and behavioral therapy. Don’t wait for the dangers of insufflation to damage your health – call now to get started on the road to recovery by learning about your treatment options. Insufflation causes the substance to hit the bloodstream much faster, producing a more intense high. It can also be easy to take too much Ambien when snorting it, making it easy to accidentally overdose.
Sign up for text support to receive:
Snorting Ambien lets zolpidem get into the bloodstream rapidly through the nasal tissues. This is dangerous because the drug is absorbed in higher amounts than would normally enter the bloodstream all at once. A large dose can result in overdose, resulting in low blood pressure, slowed breathing and potential death. Even when a person does not overdose, snorting raises the risk of serious side effects. People who experiment with snorting Ambien or Zopiclone often do so seeking a fast high, unaware of the severe physical and psychological dangers involved.
However, when taken incorrectly — especially by snorting — Ambien’s calming effect turns into a powerful, unpredictable rush. 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. Ambien can lead to addiction, especially if it’s not taken as prescribed. If a person is snorting Ambien, they are more likely to can you snort zolpidem struggle with dependence and abuse. Abusing Ambien through insufflation (snorting) can lead to nasal tissue damage, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts.