Mixing Ambien and Alcohol: Dangers, Side Effects, Overdose & More

Ambien and alcohol act as sedatives on the central nervous system. These sedative effects can become stronger when mixed, resulting in dangerous consequences.

Insomnia, the persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, is a widespread issue affecting 33% of adults in the U.S. Millions of people worldwide experience insufficient sleep compared to the recommended duration.

In search of a good night’s rest, many turn to prescription sleep aids, with Ambien emerging as a popular choice for its effectiveness in combating sleeplessness. Many people mix Ambien and alcohol, hoping for a stronger sedative effect, but this choice is quite dangerous.

What Is Ambien (Zolpidem)?

Ambien, known by its generic name, zolpidem, is a prescription medication that helps with sleep disorders. It falls into the class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. Ambien works by inducing and maintaining sleep. For individuals grappling with insomnia or other related sleep disturbances, Ambien is often prescribed to provide them with the restorative sleep they need. 

However, it’s important to use Ambien strictly as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as misuse or combining it with other substances like alcohol can lead to serious health risks and side effects. 

Side Effects of Mixing Ambien With Alcohol

When alcohol and Ambien interact, they can magnify each other’s effects, leading to many side effects and risks. If you use Ambien after drinking alcohol, it can slow down your breathing, heart rate and brain function, which could lead to a coma or even death.

Other potential side effects of combining Ambien and alcohol include:

• Increased drowsiness 
• Mood changes
• Digestive issues
• Worsened sleep quality
• Addiction and dependence
• Impaired coordination 
• Memory problems
• Respiratory depression
• Long-term health consequences

Dangers of Combining Alcohol With Zolpidem

Combining zolpidem—a sedative-hypnotic medication commonly prescribed for insomnia—with alcohol can be extremely dangerous. Both substances depress the central nervous system (CNS), meaning they slow brain activity and reduce alertness. Taken together, the sedative effects intensify, increasing the risk of harmful side effects and dangerous behaviors. Here are several specific concerns associated with this combination:

Increased Risk of Sleep Activities

Zolpidem is known to sometimes cause unusual sleep-related behaviors—such as sleepwalking, sleep-eating, or even sleep-driving—in certain individuals. Adding alcohol to the mix can heighten these risks, making it more likely for a person to engage in these activities without remembering what happened. This can lead to accidents, injuries, or dangerous situations that may put both the individual and others at risk.

Decreased Heart Rate and Breathing

Both zolpidem and alcohol suppress essential bodily functions, particularly heart rate and breathing. When combined, they can slow these processes to a dangerously low level. In severe cases, this can result in respiratory failure or cardiac complications. Individuals may become disoriented or pass out unexpectedly, increasing the chance of choking or suffocation if vomiting occurs.

Higher Risk of Dependence and Addiction

Zolpidem is designed for short-term use to address insomnia, and alcohol also has addictive properties. Mixing the two can accelerate dependence on one or both substances. Over time, individuals might find it harder to stop using zolpidem without experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms, and the same applies to alcohol use.

More Severe Withdrawal Symptoms

People who rely on zolpidem and alcohol may experience severe withdrawal if they stop using either substance abruptly. Symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and, in some cases, seizures. The combination can heighten these effects, making quitting especially difficult and potentially risky without medical supervision.

Increased Risk of Overdose

Because both substances enhance each other’s sedative effects, the margin for safe use drastically narrows. Even a small increase in dosage—whether intentional or accidental—can lead to an overdose, resulting in severe complications or even death. Additionally, research shows that taking Ambien with other depressants (such as alcohol) can increase the risk of ICU admission.

Recognizing Signs of Ambien Overdose

Ambien can make you feel drowsy and relaxed, facilitating a restful night’s sleep without the euphoria and muscle relaxation seen with benzodiazepines. When used as prescribed, it typically has minimal adverse effects on memory or other activities such as driving, work or school performance.

However, these side effects become more pronounced when Ambien is taken in larger amounts than prescribed. Usual signs of an Ambien overdose include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Slow or difficult breathing
• Unresponsiveness
• Bluish or pale skin
• Low blood pressure
• Weak pulse
• Vomiting
• Seizures

Remember that the danger of an Ambien overdose can escalate if it goes unnoticed. If you suspect someone is experiencing an Ambien overdose, act swiftly by calling 911 or seeking emergency medical assistance. Timely intervention can be life-saving.

Treating Ambien Overdose

When someone experiences an Ambien overdose, prompt medical attention is important to ensure their safety and well-being. Typically, treating an Ambien overdose involves several steps and interventions, including:

• Call 911: If you suspect someone has overdosed on Ambien, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Quick action is essential.
• Stabilization: Healthcare professionals will focus on stabilizing the individual’s condition. This may include ensuring they have a clear airway and providing oxygen if their breathing is compromised.
• Activated charcoal: In some cases, activated charcoal may be administered to absorb any remaining Ambien in the person’s stomach, limiting its absorption into the bloodstream.
• Gastric lavage (stomach pumping): In rare and severe cases, healthcare providers may perform gastric lavage to remove the drug from the stomach.
• Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, is essential to tracking the individual’s progress and promptly addressing any complications.
• Administration of flumazenil: In some instances, especially if the overdose is severe and causes significant central nervous system depression, healthcare professionals may administer flumazenil. Flumazenil is a medication that can reverse the sedative effects of Ambien.
• Supportive counseling: Depending on the circumstances and the individual’s needs, supportive counseling or therapy may be recommended to address any underlying emotional or psychological factors contributing to the overdose.

How Long After Drinking Can I Take Ambien? 

While there is no universal “one-size-fits-all” waiting period, many healthcare professionals suggest waiting at least several hours after consuming alcohol before taking Ambien. A common rule of thumb is to ensure your body has metabolized the alcohol completely—this often translates to waiting at least eight hours after your last drink, but individual factors like body weight, metabolism, and how much you’ve had to drink can influence this timeline.

If you’ve had more than a small amount of alcohol, it is often safest to skip Ambien for the night or consult your healthcare provider for further advice. Ultimately, every individual’s circumstances and health conditions differ, so if you have any doubts or underlying medical concerns, be sure to discuss the safest option for you with a medical professional.

Treatment Options for Ambien and Alcohol Misuse

Remember, each person’s path to recovery is unique. The Recovery Village Kansas City offers comprehensive support to help individuals overcome Ambien and alcohol misuse.

Our dual diagnosis treatment is designed to help those struggling with Ambien and alcohol addiction. We provide therapy for mental health concerns and addiction treatment. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you regain control over your life or assisting your loved one in this journey. Contact us today to get started on the path to a substance-free future.