Is Ambien (Zolpidem) A Controlled Substance?

Ambien (brand name for zolpidem) is a sleep aid that healthcare providers prescribe for short-term use for relief from insomnia or trouble falling asleep. They may also prescribe Ambien CR (controlled release) which affects the brain for a longer period of time than normal. Ambien which has a relatively short half-life.

However, Ambien is on the Schedule IV controlled substances list, which puts it in the same category as benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam). Sometimes, it has dangerous side effects and can cause mental impairment the following day. For this reason, doctors suggest supplements or certain antidepressants before prescribing Ambien.

Why Ambien Is Considered A Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Ambien is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance, because it is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with an abuse potential comparable to other CNS depressants in that category.

Dangerous behaviors while asleep on a normal dose of Ambien include:

• driving
• preparing and eating meals
• sleepwalking

These behaviors can cause serious injuries, so your doctor may put you on lower doses of Ambien. However, its abuse potential is not as high as in Schedule III or Schedule II drugs.

Low Drug Abuse Potential

Relative to other drug schedules, Ambien’s potential to be abused is low. In one study that tested Ambien on drug-naive participants, they routinely chose money over the drug in exit surveys.

However, compared to over-the-counter sleeping pills, Ambien does have the potential to be abused.

Low Potential For Dependency

When prescribed as a short-term treatment, Ambien has a low potential for dependency. However, when taken in the long term, that potential increases.

When Did Ambien Become A Controlled Substance?

Ambien was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992, then added by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to the drug schedule as a controlled substance in February of 1993. Ambien’s active ingredient is zolpidem tartrate, which is responsible for instigating a sleep state.

There are serious side effects with Ambien use, so it’s important to get medical advice if you have sleep problems before taking Ambien or other sleeping pills.

What Class Of Drugs Does Ambien Belong To?

Ambien belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics which includes Lunesta and Sonata. These drugs are similar to benzodiazepines in that they interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but they are distinct from benzos.

Benzos bind indiscriminately to all benzodiazepine receptors, but sedative-hypnotics like Ambien bind to the BZ1 receptors, so these drugs are not helpful as myorelaxants (muscle relaxants) or anticonvulsants.

Health Risks Of Misusing Ambien

Even though Ambien has a low potential for abuse, Ambien addiction and its common side effects still take place.

If you are misusing Ambien, you may experience the following side effects:

• sleepwalking
• sleep-driving
• short-term memory loss
• mental health problems like depression
• continual drowsiness
• confusion
• difficulty functioning the next morning or all the next day
• physical dependence

Side effects of Ambien abuse can include lower inhibitions, similar to other forms of sleeping pill abuse. If you are awake when you are on Ambien, you can do things that you would not normally do or act in ways that you would not normally act.

Signs Of Ambien Abuse

Ambien abuse happens when someone takes the medication in ways it wasn’t intended to be used. This might mean taking larger doses than prescribed, using it more often than directed, or continuing to use it after the prescription runs out. People abusing Ambien often chase the relaxed or “high” feeling it can produce rather than using it just for sleep.

One major red flag is taking Ambien at the wrong times. The medication is supposed to be taken right before bed, and you should get into bed immediately and stay there until you fall asleep. If someone is taking Ambien during the day, using it multiple times in 24 hours, or staying awake after taking it to experience its effects, that’s a clear sign of abuse.

Find Treatment Services For Ambien Addiction

If you’re facing Ambien addiction, treatment is available and recovery is possible. Professional treatment centers across the country offer programs specifically designed to help people overcome dependence on prescription sleep medications like Ambien.

Treatment options include:

• medical detox programs where doctors help you safely stop using Ambien and manage withdrawal symptoms
• inpatient rehab where you stay at a facility and receive 24/7 support and therapy
• outpatient programs that allow you to live at home while attending regular counseling sessions
• individual therapy to address the reasons behind your Ambien use and develop healthier coping skills
• group therapy where you can connect with others facing similar struggles
• medication management to treat any underlying sleep or anxiety issues without addictive drugs
• aftercare support to help you stay sober after completing your initial treatment program

You can search for treatment centers in your area or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for free, confidential assistance finding the right program for you.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff