Can You Use Ambien CR Every Night?
Ambien CR is commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia, or the persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is typically okay to use Ambien CR every night--for a certain period of time. While some doctors may prescribe Ambien CR to be used every night for longer time spans, there are a number of factors which make this option potentially problematic.
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Function
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Classified as a sedative-hypnotic by the Food and Drug Administration, Ambien CR functions by slowing certain activity in the brain to allow you to fall asleep. The active ingredient in Ambien CR is zolpidem tartrate, a chemical loosely related to benzodiazepines such as Xanax XR and Valium.
Indicated for short-term use, zolpidem tartrate is released slowly in the CR (controlled release) formulation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, according to the product website. Short-term use is defined by the U.S. National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus website as seven to 10 days, not to exceed two weeks.
Time Frame
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After seven to 10 days, reports MedlinePlus, your sleep problems should improve. During this time frame, Ambien CR is generally used every night for insomnia relief. However, taking Ambien CR every night for longer than this period may result in various problems. The main time-frame-related problem associated with using Ambien CR every night is the medication's level of effectiveness. You may become tolerant to Ambien CR after two weeks and experience difficulty falling asleep despite taking the medication nightly.
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Considerations
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One main consideration when taking Ambien CR every night involves potential addiction to the drug. While considered by the FDA to have a low potential for abuse, Ambien CR may be habit-forming.
Extended nightly use of Ambien CR causes your brain to become used to the chemical, and you may not be able to sleep without it. Worse, you may experience withdrawal effects if you suddenly stop taking it, says MedlinePlus. Shakiness, sweating, stomach cramps and vomiting are potential withdrawal effects.
Features
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Other than the risks of tolerance and addiction to Ambien CR when the medication is used every night, be aware of the drug's potential side effects. The more often you use Ambien CR, the more often you are exposing yourself to some of the drug's negative side effects.
The FDA reports some side effects that can arise while using Ambien CR are abnormal thinking, behavioral changes, hallucinations and "sleep-driving." If you are taking Ambien CR every night and have experienced any of these side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.
Prevention/Solution
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Since it is indicated for short-term use, Ambien CR can indeed be taken every night for the FDA-recommended period of seven to 10 days, and you shouldn't experience any negative effects. Going beyond that time period, however, is not advised by the FDA or MedlinePlus.
If your sleep problems get worse while taking Ambien CR every night, contact your doctor. It may not be the best option for you.
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