Buy Prescribed painkillers.The National Health Interview Survey states that in 2020, 10.2% of women and 6.6% of men [2*]
in the US took sleep medication. Although these medications, such as commonly prescribed Ambien (zolpidem), have gone through numerous clinical trials, many of them still carry a risk of misuse and abuse, which raises a valid question: when is sleep medication completely necessary? Who qualifies for it? And how to make it improve one’s health instead of causing new health issues in addition to those brought on by insufficient sleep?
What Is Ambien (Zolpidem)?
Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem [3*]
—a sedative-hypnotic medicine used to treat insomnia in the short term. By enhancing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, Ambien helps slow down brain activity, which promotes calming effects and induces sleep.
According to studies [4*]
, zolpidem can help overcome both trouble falling asleep and trouble staying asleep as well as improve sleep quality. However, the latter effect requires additional research because restorative sleep relies on much more than sleep duration and relaxation.
Ambien is available as immediate-release and extended-release oral tablets. The immediate-release form is intended to help a person fall asleep more easily, while the extended-release form helps in both falling asleep and staying asleep for a longer period. Remember to discuss the onset of action with your healthcare provider and never exceed the prescribed dose.
Can You Get Ambien Prescribed Online?
It is possible to get a prescription for Ambien online through a telemedicine service [6*]
. In this case, you are required to have a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare provider and go through an assessment and a diagnostic process. An appointment typically includes an evaluation of symptoms and health history, based on which a healthcare professional can make a diagnosis and determine if Ambien is appropriate for you.
If prescribed, take Ambien following all the received instructions. Also, have regular follow-ups with your provider who can assess the safety of treatment, your health dynamics, and adjust the plan if necessary.
Who Qualifies for an Ambien Prescription?
Whether or not you need and can use Ambien to improve sleep depends on several factors. Your healthcare provider will evaluate all of them, with the key being:
Diagnosis: Ambien is FDA-approved to treat insomnia, and one can get it prescribed for this condition.
Contraindications: A history of substance abuse, known hypersensitivity to zolpidem, history of complex sleep behaviors, and some comorbid disorders show the need for choosing an alternative treatment. Also, the use of Ambien during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended.Warnings and Precautions
Ambien can cause complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving, which a patient doesn’t remember. If this happens, it’s crucial to discontinue Ambien and contact a medical provider.
As a sedative-hypnotic, Ambien can cause psychomotor issues, especially if a patient has taken a tablet but not having 7 to 8 hours of sleep. In the case of drowsiness, longer reaction time, and sleepiness, it’s important to avoid operating machinery.
Due to its sedative properties, it is possible to become physically dependent
on Ambien, especially if it’s taken longer or on higher doses than prescribed. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly: fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and others.
