Stilnox is one of the trade names for zolpidem, which is also sold under the trade name Ambien. It is chemically distinct from benzodiazepines, although it has a similar hypnotic effect. Physicians prescribe Stilnox primarily for insomnia, but it also has a significant potential for addiction. The concentration of Stilnox in the blood should be less than 300 micrograms per liter when taking it therapeutically. People who overdose on Stilnox typically have a concentration in their blood above 1,000 micrograms per liter.
What are the Medical Uses of Stilnox?
“Physicians prescribe Stilnox primarily for insomnia, but it also has a significant potential for addiction.”
The most common medical use for Stilnox is for the treatment of short-term insomnia lasting no longer than six weeks. It is most effective in treating problems with falling asleep rather than maintaining sleep. The United States Air Force also uses Stilnox to help aviators sleep before a mission. Flight personnel must first use Stilnox in a test environment before they can receive it in an operational situation. Stilnox may also be effective in bringing patients out of a persistent vegetative state.
Side Effects from Stilnox Abuse
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the following side effects are relatively common when Stilnox is taken in therapeutic doses:
- Amnesia
- Euphoria
- Hallucinations
- Headaches
- Impaired judgment
- Increased appetite
- Increased libido
- Loss of motor skills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some users of Stilnox report rare side effects, such as performing routine tasks while asleep. These unusual side effects are most common in the first few days after taking the first dose of Stilnox and may include complex conversations in which the subject can answer questions appropriately. These episodes of parasomnia create a significant safety hazard for the user as well as those around him or her.
Stilnox can also cause a hangover effect after taking it the previous night. These signs of an overdose on Stilnox primarily include impaired cognitive function and motor control, in addition to drowsiness. These symptoms can increase the risk of injury due to vehicle collisions and falls, especially among elderly users. By calling our helpline today, you can learn proper Stilnox detox and withdrawal treatment and get rid of the harmful effects of addiction or overdose.
Developing a Dependence to Stilnox
“The tolerance-producing effect of Stilnox is generally similar to that of benzodiazepines.”
The therapeutic use of Stilnox is typically limited to five 10-mg tablets per week for no more than 12 weeks. The 15-mg tablets generally do not provide any therapeutic advantage over the 10-mg tablets. Insomnia that lasts longer than 12 weeks should typically be treated with behavioral therapy rather than drugs.
Stilnox can cause dependence when used in quantities that exceed the therapeutic level, sometimes in only a few weeks. The tolerance-producing effect of Stilnox is generally similar to that of benzodiazepines. The most common symptoms of long-term Stilnox use include rebound insomnia and adverse effects related to the central nervous system.
Stilnox Overdose Symptoms
The most common Stilnox overdose symptoms include constricted pupils, extreme sedation and depressed respiratory function. These symptoms can also progress to coma and death in extreme cases. A Stilnox overdose is especially likely to be fatal when it is combined with other drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol and opiates. The standard treatment for Stilnox overdose symptoms is flumazenil, which is highly effective at displacing Stilnox from its binding site.
Treatment Programs and the Withdrawal Process
- The abrupt cessation of Stilnox can cause withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are dependent upon it. These symptoms are generally similar to those of benzodiazepine and may include delirium and seizures. The withdrawal symptoms are generally worse when the drug is taken in higher doses and over longer periods of time. Stilnox overdose treatment generally consists of reducing the dose gradually over several months to minimize the withdrawal symptoms.
Some treatment programs for Stilnox overdose symptoms involve switching the patient to an equivalent dose of a benzodiazepine that has a longer effect than Stilnox. Common choices for this type of treatment include chlordiazepoxide and diazepam. Find out more information on the proper withdrawal process for Stilnox abuse here.
The physician will then reduce the dosage of the substitute drug as usual. Patients who are difficult to treat may require a rapid detoxification program with flumazenil. Call us at to find out more information on Stilnox overdose treatment options.
