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.
Having an opposite effect to the one that is expected is called a paradoxical reaction. 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”. This may help explain case reports about minimally conscious people being awakened into a conscious state after Ambien administration and why people have been observed walking, talking on the phone, and driving while not fully awake.
Parasomnia is the medical term given to this type of activity that someone might perform while they are technically asleep. Other parasomnias reported with Ambien include hallucinations, cooking meals, binge eating, or cleaning the house while in an altered state of consciousness. The next morning, the person has no idea of what went on the night before.
Drugs such as Ambien (zolpidem) reportedly induce this side effect more than benzodiazepines do. So much so, that the terms "Z-drug Zombie" or "Ambien Zombie" are in common usage. Most parasomnias reported with Ambien are more of a physical rather than a cognitive nature. The risk may be exacerbated by large doses of alcohol.
If you find yourself unable to sleep on Ambien, or feel that it makes you agitated or stimulated, stop taking it and talk to your doctor about alternative sleeping treatments.
References
- Kim, C., Kwon, B. S., Nam, K. Y., Park, J. W., & Lee, H. J. (2016). Zolpidem-Induced Arousal by Paradoxical GABAergic Stimulation: A Case Report With F-18 Flumazenil Positron Emission Tomography and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Study. Annals of rehabilitation medicine, 40(1), 177–181. https://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2016.40.1.177
- Rodriguez-Rojas, R., Machado, C., Alvarez, L., Carballo, M., Estevez, M., Perez-Nellar, J., Pavon, N., Chinchilla, M., Carrick, F. R., & DeFina, P. (2013). Zolpidem induces paradoxical metabolic and vascular changes in a patient with PVS. Brain injury, 27(11), 1320–1329. https://doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2013.794961
- Researchers Explain Paradoxical Awakenings Induced by Ambien. July 15th, 2009. Sleep Review. https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-health/sleep-whole-body/brain/researchers-explain-paradoxical-awakenings-induced-by-ambien/
Read next
What is the max dose of diphenhydramine for adults?
The maximum oral dose of diphenhydramine for adults is generally reported as 100mg for a single dose or no more than 300mg in 24 hours, but this can vary depending on what condition diphenhydramine is being used for, the salt of diphenhydramine used (there are two salts available in the US diphenhydramine citrate and diphenhydramine chloride), the age of the person, how much diphenhydramine they have tolerated before, and if they are on any interacting medications. Taking too much diphenhydramine can be fatal.
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
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Depakote
Depakote is used to treat various types of seizure disorders. Learn about side effects ...
Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent seizures in adults and children and to prevent migraine ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Valproate Sodium
Valproate Sodium is used for epilepsy, seizure prevention, seizures
Related medical questions
- Is Ambien safe for long-term use?
- Ambien: What are 11 Things You Need to Know?
- Lunesta vs Ambien: How do they compare?
- Is Ambien a controlled substance?
- Is Ambien a benzo?
- Is Ambien addictive?
- Is “Ambien-Tweeting” or "Sleep-Tweeting" a Thing?
- Is eszopiclone the same as Ambien?
- What does "half-life" of a drug mean?
- Ambien - How long does it stays in your system? I have a drug test for work?
- What is the half life of Ambien?
- How do I use prescription sleeping pills safely?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Sleep Aid (18 questions, 14 members)
- Ambien (120 questions, 659 members)
- Zolpidem (44 questions, 195 members)
- Insomnia (657 questions, 2,653 members)
- Sleep Disorders (490 questions, 1,666 members)