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Medically Reviewed

How Long Does Ambien Stay in Your System?

- 4 sections
Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer:

Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA
medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Ambien stays in your system for about 24 to 48 hours and is detected in urine for up to 72 hours after the last dose. Blood tests detect Ambien for around 6 to 20 hours, saliva tests up to 1-3 days, and hair tests detect up to 90 days, though detection times vary based on factors like dosage, metabolism, age, and organ function.

The effects of Ambien last for 2 to 3 hours, while its metabolites remain longer, causing positive results on drug tests. This prescription sleep aid has become a significant concern in North Carolina’s substance abuse landscape, where the crisis has reached alarming levels—nearly 12 people die from drug overdoses daily, with over 4,300 deaths reported in 2022 alone. 

Many users dangerously underestimate how long Ambien affects their body and decision-making abilities. Even a single dose impairs functioning well into the next day, contributing to the cycle of dependency that’s devastating communities across the state.

How Long Do the Effects of Ambien Last?

The effects of Ambien usually last about 2 to 3 hours, providing short-term sedation to help with sleep. However, some residual drowsiness or impairment continues into the next day, particularly in older adults or individuals with liver problems.

The common side effects of Ambien include:

  • Dizziness and drowsiness
  • Tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Unsteady walking and coordination issues
  • A “drugged” feeling
  • Nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Gas, heartburn, and stomach pain
  • Changes in appetite
  • Unusual dreams or sleepwalking
  • Muscle aches or cramps
  • Ringing in the ears

How Long is Ambien Detected on a Drug Test?

Ambien is detected on a drug test for lengths of time that include 1-3 days in saliva, up to 60 hours in urine, and as long as 3-5 weeks in hair samples.

According to Villain, M.’s 2004 study, ‘Windows of detection of zolpidem in urine and hair: Application to two drug-facilitated sexual assaults.’, Researchers used LC-MS/MS methodology with an ultra-sensitive detection limit of 0.2 pg/mg for Ambien. This hair testing technique proves valuable in drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases, where zolpidem frequently appears. Hair segmentation analysis distinguishes between one-time and chronic use patterns, as shown in two documented criminal cases.

How To Find Help for Ambien Abuse and Addiction in Charlotte, North Carolina?

To find help for Ambien abuse and addiction in Charlotte, North Carolina, start by contacting healthcare professionals who assess your condition and recommend suitable treatment options. Seek facilities that provide medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms. Explore both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs that offer behavioral therapies, support for co-occurring mental health conditions, and relapse prevention strategies. 

Local support groups and 24/7 confidential helplines provide guidance and connect you to resources tailored to your needs, ensuring compassionate care throughout your recovery journey.

How Drug Detox Can Help With Ambien Abuse?

Drug detox helps with Ambien abuse by providing a medically supervised process that gradually tapers the medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce health risks. During drug detox, healthcare providers monitor your physical and mental state, prescribe medications to manage symptoms like anxiety and insomnia, and offer support to ensure a safer and more comfortable transition off Ambien.

At Charlotte Detox Center, we understand the struggles of Ambien addiction, including dangerous sleepwalking behaviors like driving while unconscious. Our compassionate team provides medically supervised detox with 24/7 monitoring in a serene, homelike environment. Clients receive individualized detox plans, daily medical assessments, and one-on-one counseling to address both physical withdrawal and emotional healing. Our chef-prepared meals and private rooms create comfort during this challenging first step toward freedom from Ambien dependence. You deserve professional support—we’re here to help you reclaim your life.

 

Sahil Talwar

Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA

Sahil Talwar is a physician assistant with over 7 years of experience in emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. He is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. He graduated from South College with his Master’s in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services. Sahil specializes in medication assisted treatment. His focus is on helping people who suffer from multiple issues, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD. Sahil enjoys taking time and listening to better understand what his patients are experiencing. He believes that empathy, respect and trust are integral traits that all providers must possess. He believes in the value of hard work and dedication to overcoming mental illness and will help his patients to achieve their mental health goals.

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