Also known generically as Zolpidem, this is a Schedule IV prescription drug. These are known as sedative hypnotics and cause sedation and muscle relaxation when used. Though not as addictive as Schedule III drugs, it is often impossible to tell whether a patient is addicted as the usage pattern is not visible socially. However, long term use does cause addiction and can result in severe withdrawals when the person wants to quit. The street names for Ambien are No-go Pills, Zombie Pills, A-minus, etc.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with this drug are: confusion, anxiety, insomnia, depression, aggression, etc. Ambien overdoses can lead to sleepiness, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing, clumsiness, staggering, slowed heart rate and dizziness, etc. There are many side effects associated with regular Ambien usage. Some of them are:
- Impotence
- Heart attacks
- Varicose veins
- Weight loss
- Kidney failure
- Joint degeneration
- Sciatica
- Mental deterioration, etc.