Ambien Overdose: Symptoms, Signs, & Treatment

Ambien – zolpidem – is a medication prescribed to help with sleep problems like insomnia [1]. While it can be helpful when taken as directed, taking too much Ambien, or mixing the medication with other substances can trigger serious health risks, including overdose. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an Ambien overdose can save lives.

This page explores how zolpidem overdose can happen, what symptoms to watch for, and how to get help if you or a loved one is misusing prescription medications like Ambien.

Can You Overdose on Ambien?

For anyone wondering, “Is Ambien dangerous?” or “Can you OD on Ambien?”, it is possible to overdose on this prescription medication. Taking more than the prescribed dose or combining it with other drugs or alcohol can lead to dangerous consequences. Ambien is designed to slow down brain activity, helping the person relax and fall asleep [2]. When taken in excessive amounts, though, its sedative effects can become too strong, causing the body to shut down vital functions, like breathing and heart rate.

Overdosing on Ambien is more likely if a person takes higher doses than recommended or if they mix it with other substances like alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. These combinations can intensify the drug’s effects, increasing the risk of severe outcomes like respiratory failure, coma, or even death. Alcohol, for example, is another depressant of the CNS, and it works similarly by slowing down the central nervous system. When taken together, the risks multiply, as both substances increase the chances of overdose.

Misuse is the most common reason for Ambien overdose, either by taking more than prescribed or by using the drug for non-medical purposes. Some people might abuse Ambien for its calming effects or try to enhance its properties by crushing the pills and snorting them or mixing them with alcohol. These behaviors are dangerous and can lead to overdose, even if the dose itself might not seem too high at first.

What Happens if You Accidentally Take 2 Ambien?

Accidentally taking two Ambien pills can increase the risk of experiencing more intense side effects, but it does not always lead to an overdose. That said, it depends on age, weight, health condition, and how your body reacts to the medication. For many people, taking double the dose might result in excessive drowsiness, confusion, and impaired motor skills, making it hard to think, move around, or stay awake.

Some possible outcomes of accidentally taking two Ambien include:

• Extreme drowsiness: You may feel much more tired than usual and find it difficult to stay awake or function normally.
• Impaired judgment: Ambien can affect your ability to think, making it hard to make safe decisions, and impacting tasks like driving or operating machinery.
• Memory loss: Taking too much Ambien can lead to temporary amnesia or confusion, where you may not remember what happened while the drug was in effect.
• Loss of coordination: You might stumble or lose your grip while walking, balancing, or performing everyday tasks.

Although an accidental double dose might not always be life-threatening, it can still be dangerous. For example, if you fall or have an accident while under the influence, it can result in injury. Additionally, taking Ambien alongside other medications or alcohol increases the risk of more severe reactions, including slowed breathing or heart rate.

If you realize that you accidentally took 20mg Ambien, monitor how you feel. If you experience any alarming symptoms like extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, seek medical help immediately.

What Happens if You Take Too Much Ambien?

Taking too much Ambien can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. The more you take, the stronger the sedating effects on your brain and body. When too much Ambien is in your system, it can overwhelm your central nervous system, leading to serious symptoms that may require immediate medical attention. 

Some of the most common side effects of too much Ambien include:

• Severe drowsiness: Ambien can make you sleepy, even at therapeutic doses. This effect becomes more pronounced in larger doses, causing problems staying awake or responding to stimuli.
• Respiratory depression: High doses of Ambien can slow your breathing to dangerous levels. If your breathing becomes too shallow, it can lead to respiratory failure, where your body isn’t getting enough oxygen [3].
• Loss of consciousness: Taking too much Ambien can cause you to pass out or slip into a coma. In extreme cases, the brain may not be able to wake up on its own without medical intervention.
• Slowed heart rate: Ambien overdose can lower your heart rate, leading to dangerously low blood pressure. This can result in dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrest. 

If a person takes too much Ambien and their body is unable to process it quickly, the medication will stay in their system longer, increasing the likelihood of overdose symptoms. This is especially true if the drug is taken with alcohol or other sedatives. Together, these substances can compound the effects on the brain and body, raising the chances of a fatal overdose.

If you recognize the signs of an Ambien overdose, get medical help as soon as possible. If someone is experiencing difficulty breathing, has lost consciousness, or is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in preventing permanent damage or death from an overdose. 

Ambien Overdose Symptoms

An overdose of Ambien can lead to a range of serious symptoms that affect both the body and the mind. The symptoms can start mildly but quickly become life-threatening if not addressed [4]. Recognizing these symptoms early can save lives. Some common signs of an Ambien overdose include: 

• Extreme drowsiness: While Ambien is designed to make you feel sleepy, an overdose can cause uncontrollable fatigue. You may have trouble staying awake or responding to people around you.
• Confusion: Overdosing on Ambien may leave you feeling disoriented or confused. You might not know where you are or what is happening, and it can be hard to think clearly.
• Loss of coordination: Many people who overdose on Ambien experience trouble walking or controlling their body movements. This lack of coordination can increase the risk of falls or accidents.
• Shallow breathing: One of the most dangerous symptoms of an Ambien overdose is slowed or shallow breathing. When your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, it can lead to serious complications like brain damage or respiratory failure.
• Slow heart rate: Taking too much Ambien can slow your heart rate to dangerously low levels. If your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, it can lead to fainting, dizziness, or even heart failure.
• Coma: In severe cases, an Ambien overdose can cause you to lose consciousness entirely and slip into a coma. At this stage, your body may not be able to wake up without medical intervention. 

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help right away. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage or death. 

Can You Die From Ambien?

It is possible to die from Ambien toxicity, especially when the drug is combined with other substances like alcohol or opioids. While death from Ambien overdose alone is rare, the risk increases significantly when mixed with other CNS depressants [5]. These substances all slow down the body’s vital functions, like breathing and heart rate, making it harder for the body to recover on its own. 

The main risk factors for death from Ambien include: 

• Respiratory failure: If your breathing slows down too much, your body won’t get the oxygen it needs. Without enough oxygen, your brain and other organs start to shut down. This can quickly lead to death if medical help isn’t provided.
• Cardiac arrest: An overdose can also cause your heart rate to drop to dangerously low levels, increasing the risk of a heart attack or heart failure.
• Coma and brain damage: If your body is deprived of oxygen for too long, you may fall into a coma or suffer permanent brain damage. Without timely medical intervention, this can result in death. 

Even though Ambien is generally safe when used correctly, taking too much, or using it alongside other substances can have fatal consequences. If you or someone you know is misusing Ambien, seek help before it leads to more serious health problems.

Ambien Overdose Treatment

If someone overdoses on Ambien, the first step is to call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. Medical professionals will act quickly to prevent further harm and stabilize the person. Here’s what they will do:

• Monitor vital signs: Doctors will watch the person’s heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. These signs help determine the severity of the overdose and the next steps in treatment.
• Airway management: If breathing becomes too shallow, doctors may need to assist the person with oxygen or a ventilator to ensure they get enough air. A breathing tube may be inserted to help regulate airflow.
• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping): In some cases, doctors may use gastric lavage to remove any remaining Ambien from the stomach. This process involves inserting a tube through the nose or mouth to flush the stomach with water, which helps clear out the drug before it gets fully absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Activated charcoal: If the overdose is caught early, medical professionals might administer activated charcoal to absorb the drug in the stomach. This can help prevent more of the Ambien from entering the bloodstream [6].
• IV fluids and medications: Doctors may provide intravenous fluids to keep the person hydrated and support their circulation. In some cases, medications may also be given to counteract the effects of the overdose, such as medications to stimulate breathing or raise blood pressure if it drops too low.

Once the immediate danger has passed, the person will be monitored closely to ensure they recover fully and don’t experience any lasting side effects. After stabilization, it’s often recommended that the individual seek addiction treatment to address any underlying issues that led to the overdose. 

Antidote for Ambien

While there isn’t a specific antidote for Ambien, medical professionals can use a drug called flumazenil in certain cases to help reverse the sedative effects of Ambien [7]. Flumazenil is used to counteract overdoses of benzodiazepines, which are similar to Ambien in how they work in the brain. That said, flumazenil is not always effective for Ambien overdose and is used only in severe cases where the person’s breathing is severely compromised, or they have lost consciousness.

Instead of relying on a specific antidote, the main focus of treatment is supportive care, which includes monitoring the person’s vital signs, ensuring proper oxygen flow, and stabilizing heart and lung functions. In most cases, with prompt medical intervention, a person can recover from an Ambien overdose without permanent damage.

Because there’s no perfect antidote for Ambien, the best way to prevent an overdose is to use the medication exactly as prescribed and avoid mixing it with alcohol or other drugs. 

Ambien Overdose Risk Factors

While Ambien is typically safe when taken as prescribed, certain behaviors and conditions can make an overdose more likely. These include:

• Mixing with other substances: One of the biggest risk factors for an Ambien overdose is mixing it with other CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, or anti-anxiety medications. These substances slow down the central nervous system. When taken together, their effects can compound, making it harder for the body to regulate essential functions like breathing and heart rate. This increases the chance of overdose and serious complications.
• Taking higher doses than prescribed: Some people may misuse Ambien by taking more than the prescribed dose to achieve stronger sedative effects. This is especially risky, as the body can quickly become overwhelmed by the drug’s effects, leading to overdose symptoms such as confusion, loss of coordination, and slowed breathing.
• Chronic use or dependence: People who use Ambien for extended periods can develop tolerance, meaning they need to take larger amounts of the drug to get the same effects [8]. As tolerance increases, so does the risk of taking too much and accidentally overdosing. In some cases, dependence can lead to compulsive use, where people take more than they should without realizing the danger.
• Age: Older adults are at higher risk of Ambien overdose because their bodies process medications more slowly. The sedative effects of Ambien can be stronger in seniors, increasing the likelihood of overdose even at lower doses.
• Mental health conditions: Individuals with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues may be more likely to misuse Ambien, either to help with sleep or to cope with emotional distress [9]. Additionally, people with mental health conditions may combine Ambien with other substances, increasing the risk of an overdose.
• Lack of medical supervision: Taking Ambien without a prescription or without proper medical supervision also increases the risk of overdose. When people misuse Ambien, they may not be aware of how much is safe to take or the potential dangers of mixing it with other substances. 

By being aware of these risk factors, people can make safer choices when it comes to using Ambien and reduce the likelihood of an overdose. 

Ambien Overdose Death

Although deaths from Ambien alone are rare, it is possible to die from an Ambien overdose, particularly when the drug is combined with other substances. Most deaths related to Ambien happen when it is taken alongside alcohol, opioids, or other sedative drugs. These substances all work by slowing the brain and body, and the combined effects can become life-threatening. 

Preventing Ambien Overdose

Preventing an Ambien overdose starts with using the medication as directed by a doctor. Following the prescribed dosage and avoiding mixing Ambien with other substances are the most important steps you can take to stay safe. Here are some strategies to help prevent an overdose: 

• Follow the prescribed dosage: Always take Ambien exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than instructed, even if you feel like it’s not working. If your dosage needs to be adjusted, talk to your doctor instead of making changes.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs: Never mix Ambien with alcohol or other sedatives, such as opioids or anti-anxiety medications. These substances can enhance Ambien’s effects, increasing the risk of overdose. If you’re taking other drugs, check with your doctor to ensure they’re safe to use with Ambien.
• Limit long-term use: Ambien is generally meant for short-term use, usually no more than a few weeks. Prolonged use can lead to dependence and increased tolerance, which raises the risk of overdose. If you find yourself relying on Ambien to sleep, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments for insomnia or sleep disorders.
• Store safely: Keep Ambien in a secure place where others, especially children or teens, can’t access it. Accidental ingestion or misuse by someone else can lead to an overdose.
• Educate yourself and loved ones: Understanding the risks of Ambien overdose is key to prevention. If you or a loved one takes Ambien, make sure everyone is aware of the potential dangers of misuse. Discuss safe usage habits and make sure to contact a healthcare professional if there’s ever uncertainty about dosage or drug interactions.
• Seek help for addiction: If you or someone you know is misusing Ambien, seek help. Addiction treatment centers can provide the support needed to stop using the drug safely and prevent an overdose. 

By using Ambien responsibly and being mindful of the risks, you can significantly reduce the chances of an overdose. If you ever feel uncertain about your Ambien use or think you may be developing dependence, contact to a healthcare provider for guidance before the situation worsens. 

Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you need help for yourself or a loved one misusing prescription sleeping aids or other drugs, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. 

We treat drug and alcohol addiction with outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment at our rehabs in California and Florida. This means you can continue to meet your daily commitments while getting effective treatment for substance abuse. 

The unique nature of all prescription drug addictions means you will get a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapy
• Talk therapy (CBT and DBT)
• Group therapy
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare 

Begin your recovery from drug addiction today by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8567759/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763231/

[3] https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/education/sedation-program/sedation-education/sedation-respiratory-depression/

[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0379073895018751

[5] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cns-depressant

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482294/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7955804/

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

[9] https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ebp-kit-building-your-program-10112019.pdf