Is Ambien A Controlled Substance? Or Is Ambien A Narcotic?

The Department of Health and Human Services in the USA recommended that Searle's Ambien, a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic, be categorized in the schedule after research. Before understanding 'In which schedule is the medicine listed' and 'Is Ambien a controlled substance' due to an addiction to the drug? Drug addiction is a neuropsychological disorder that leads to an urge to repeat activities; it alters brain functions and results in drug cravings.

Let's understand what Ambien is and how exactly categorizing its information will help us understand medicine more deeply.

How Does Ambien Work?

Ambien is a 'GABA receptor agonist'. It works by enhancing the GABA effect in the central nervous system. These work exactly like benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium. It is pertinent to fall asleep immediately after taking Ambien. Ambien comes in a quick form as well as an extended relief version. 

Is Ambien Addictive

Ambien functions by attaching to neuroreceptors that gradually slow down brain activity. In the long run, it helps the user fall asleep more effortlessly and remain asleep. It comes in pill form and is designed to be taken instantly before the user goes to bed. Other brand names for the drug Zolpidem include

Prescription Needed!

Ambien is a prescription drug, meaning no one can buy Ambien without a prescription legally. In 2007 the FDA, i.e., The Food and Drug Administration department, described many situations where individuals who ordered Ambien got medicine with haloperidol. And from then after, it is declared prescription medicine. That means it cannot be purchased without a prescription. 

Is Ambien Addictive? Is It a Controlled Substance? 

Ambien is a Sedative-Hypnotics class drug. Ambien functions by starting the neurotransmitter GABA, which delays the brainiac and the central nervous system (CNS). Ambien is used to treat sleeplessness but is only planned for short-term use. There are two shapes of Ambien, a quick-release form that allows initiating sleep and an extended-release form that allows maintaining bedtime. Usage of either disorder can lead to Ambien's obsession. 

Uses of Ambien

This nonbenzodiazepine "Z-Drug" was developed to maintain the same medical result as Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, without the identical dangerous and habit-forming belongings those drugs are known for. The creators of Ambien sold the drug as a slightly addictive option to Benzos for individuals with acute insomnia.

Nevertheless, while it typically takes users extended to invent an addiction to Ambien than to Benzos, withdrawal from Ambien is usually less severe and dangerous than Benzo withdrawal; Ambien is still an addictive substance. It is now recognized that Ambien has a similar abuse potential to Benzos.

Ambien is a controlled substance, a group of regulated medications, due to their potential risk of abuse and addiction. Ambien is a level IV-controlled substance with a lower potential for danger and abuse than most other controlled substances, like opioids. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic used for insomnia, preferably for short-term use.

Is Ambien a narcotic?

Ambien (Zolpidem) is not a controlled substance. It is a sedative-hypnotic medicine used to treat insomnia that belongs to the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics family of medications. In contrast to drugs, which primarily operate on opioid receptors in the brain, Ambien works on GABA receptors in the brain to produce sleep. Ambien, like drugs, can be habit-forming and addictive. Thus it should only be used as recommended by a doctor.

Signs of an Ambien Addiction 

• Refilling medications often.
• Often taking enormous doses than prescribed.
• Experiencing cravings for Ambien.
• Engaging in dangerous situations without any memory of them later.
• Spending large amounts of money on the drug.
• Isolating oneself from family and friends.

Side Effects of Ambien-

Some side effects of the medicine are uncommon but can occur anywhere and anytime. Please keep your pharmacist in the loop with the following side effects.  

What are the long-term side effects of zolpidem

Mild Side Effects

Mild Side Effects of Ambien Can Include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Grogginess
• Dry Mouth
• Headache
• Somnolence
• Nausea
• Muscle Pain

Serious Side Effects- 

1. Memory loss or dementia. 
   Trouble remembering data, names, dates, or places
2. Anxiety.  
   trouble holding thoughts or emotions of worry
   feeling nervous, irritable, or on edge
3. Sleep problems, 
    trouble falling asleep
4. Unusual sleep behaviors,
   sleepwalking. 

Long-Term Side Effects and Next-Day Side Effects-

• Allergic reaction. 
• Behavioral changes, such as hallucinations. 
• Withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped suddenly. 

How to fall asleep without Ambien

One must make many changes in their daily routine to sleep without Ambien. 

• Remove color from your phone. 
• Embrace wiggle room for a weekend wake-up time. 
• Make your environment sleeping-friendly. 
• Tap into your inner soul. 
• Don't sleep on an empty stomach.

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Ambien is a Sedative-Hypnotics class drug. Ambien functions by starting the neurotransmitter GABA, which delays the brainiac and the central nervous system (CNS). It works by enhancing the GABA effect in the central nervous system. These work at the exact location of benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium.

Ambien is a controlled substance, a group of regulated medications, due to their potential risk of abuse and addiction. Some side effects of the medicine are uncommon, but they can occur anywhere and anytime.