What is Ambien?
Ambien, also known as zolpidem, is a sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-benzodiazepine Z drugs and works by interacting with a subunit of the benzodiazepine receptor family Bz1. Ambien comes in immediate-release, extended-release, and sublingual formulations, and is available as a generic drug.
Does Ambien help with Anxiety?
Ambien is commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other sleeping difficulties. As a sedative-hypnotic, it works to quiet and slow brain activity to induce sleep. Ambien can also relax and calm people with high levels of apprehension. It is a fast-acting pill that produces calming effects, making it easier to get a good night’s rest.
How long does Ambien (Zolpidem) stay in your system?
Ambien is metabolized relatively quickly and does not stay in the system for long. People usually begin to feel the effects of Ambien within 30 minutes, and peak effects are felt 1.5 to two hours after ingesting the drug. The detection window for Ambien varies depending on the type of drug test used. Blood tests can detect Ambien for 8-24 hours, hair follicle tests for up to 5 weeks, saliva tests for up to 8 hours, and urine tests for around 24-48 hours.
How long does Ambien last?
Ambien has a half-life of about 2 hours, meaning it takes about 2 hours for the drug to leave the body. Withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 48 hours of the last dose. The effects of Ambien can last into the next day if a person does not get a total of 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Higher doses can be detected in urine for up to 72 hours and in blood for up to 48 hours.
How does Ambien work?
Ambien slows down brain activity, allowing a person to fall asleep. It interacts with the benzodiazepine binding site ion gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor complex, enhancing GABA activity. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits certain types of brain activity. By increasing brain inhibitions, zolpidem(Ambien) helps induce sleep. Sleep aids like Ambien are best used as short-term solutions and should be combined with therapy or other methods to help people develop good sleep habits.