How Does Ambien CR Work?
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What is Ambien CR?
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Ambien CR, also known generically as Zolpidem, is a treatment for insomnia that is not meant to be used for long periods of time, but is approved for temporary use. Ambien CR is classified as a nonbenzodiazepene narcotic and works within 15 minutes of being taken. Unlike benzodiazepene narcotics, however, Ambien CR usually only lasts for three or four hours. Ambien CR has also been known to awake patients from comas and improve brain function in people with neurological damage. Ambien CR is usually prescribed by medical doctors and psychiatrists for a short period of time, usually several weeks. It is used by the United States Air Force when soldiers need to sleep in between assignments and can also be used to treat restless leg syndrome, seizures and convulsions.
How Does Ambien CR Work?
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Ambien CR is in the sedative class of medications. It works by bonding to the GABA receptors, which are neurotransmitters in the brain. This is what makes Ambien very similar to benzodiazepene medications. On the other hand, Ambien CR has no affinity for the GABA receptors located in the spine, which create desensitization of the medication over time. Ambien CR also works a little bit differently than benzodiazepene medications because it only effects stage one of sleep and not stage two. Stage one is known as slow-wave sleep, which is also known as "deep sleep." This is a period of stages three of non-rapid eye movement sleep. Slow-wave sleep is considered to be the most important sleep you receive during the night because it is the first stage of sleep the body goes into after sleep deprivation.
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Warnings About Ambien CR
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It is possible to overdose on Ambien CR. Although it does not have as high a risk of dependency than benzodiazepenes like Xanax and Klonopin, other sedatives, there is still a chance of becoming dependent on Ambien CR. Do not take Ambien more often or longer than prescribed. If you are still having trouble sleeping after taking Ambien, ask your doctor to put you on a higher dose. If you experience any allergic reactions, extreme headaches or nausea after taking Ambien CR, discontinue use immediately and contact your doctor. If you experience swelling go to the emergency room.
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