Is Ambien addictive?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 6, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Even though Ambien (zolpidem) is not as habit-forming as benzodiazepines, it is still addictive. When Ambien was first discovered, scientists thought it unlikely to cause tolerance, dependence, or be misused like benzodiazepines. But they were wrong. Physical dependence on the drug can develop within a couple of weeks, even when it is used at the dosages recommended. Ambien should only be used for short periods to help with sleep (ideally no more than seven to ten days). If you've been taking Ambien for longer or taking higher dosages than recommended, you may struggle with medication withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.

Withdrawal symptoms may include low mood, insomnia, nervousness or anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, shaking, stomach cramps, sweating, vomiting, and rarely seizures. Taper Ambien off slowly by reducing the dosage by 25% every week instead of abruptly discontinuing.

Advice for preventing Ambien addiction

Ambien can be habit-forming and is designed for short-term use only and taking it at higher than recommended doses for long periods can increase your chance of becoming addicted to it.

Only take as recommended by your doctor and for the shortest time possible
Never share it with another person and keep it away from children or others who may misuse it
Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law
It may not be suitable for you if you have with a history of substance abuse or addictive disorders
Reduce the dosage by 25% every week if you have been taking it for longer than 10 days instead of abruptly discontinuing it.

Sleep disturbance can be a sign of some other underlying disorder. Call your doctor if your insomnia worsens or does not improve within seven to ten days.

References

Ambien (zolpidem). Revised: 01/2023. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/ambien.html

Why am I unable to sleep after taking Ambien?

Most people who take Ambien feel sedated and fall asleep, as expected, but rarely, some people show the opposite effect and become aroused or are unable to fall asleep. Experts aren’t sure exactly why this happens, but some research has suggested that because Ambien affects the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA and inhibitory neurons, this allows excitatory neurons responsible for transmitting activity to re-awaken and become active again because the inhibitory neurons are “asleep”. Continue reading

Quviviq vs. Ambien: How do they compare?

Both Quviviq and Ambien are oral prescription medicines used to help with trouble sleeping (known as insomnia). Quviviq and Ambien CR are used for adults who have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, while Ambien is used to help with sleep onset due to a shorter duration of action. Continue reading

Xanax vs Ambien: How do they compare?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine, and Ambien (zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic. Both Xanax and Ambien enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA, but they are used to treat different health conditions. Continue reading

Is Ambien addictive?

Advice for preventing Ambien addiction

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Why am I unable to sleep after taking Ambien?

Quviviq vs. Ambien: How do they compare?

Xanax vs Ambien: How do they compare?

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