Does Ambien Cause Constipation in Adults? A Complete Guide

The last thing you want in your nighttime sleep is to constantly wake up and go to the bathroom. It is even worse when you are dealing with insomnia or other sleeping issues for which you take sleeping meds like Ambien. You expect to have a sound sleep after taking the pill, but you find yourself sitting in your bathroom trying to take out last night’s dinner. But it does not go leaving you with a bad stomach. Well, this condition is called constipation and studies say that a good number of constipation cases are induced by drugs. So, does Ambien cause constipation?

Defining Ambien

Ambien is a hypnotic drug carrying sedation that helps you sleep. This Z-drug is available with other brand names like Edluar, Zolpimist, Intermezzo and many more. To understand how Ambien affects our body, we have to understand its mechanism. It works by binding to ɑ units in GABA receptors to enhance the effects of the neurotransmitters. These GABA neurotransmitters slow down brain activity, causing the opening of calcium chloride channels. These channels kick-start the inhibition of neurons in the brain that induce excitement. If people wonder how long does Ambien stay in our system, this mechanism proves the duration is mostly short-lived.

Can Ambien Cause Constipation?

Constipation is one of the side effects of Ambien but it is not so common. Many doctors are even sceptical whether Ambien really causes constipation or not. Ambien can cause high blood pressure and similar issues more likely as a part of the direct effects on the nervous system of its sedation. But many patients believe that Ambien might cause stomach problems. A study in Front Psychiatry also found that pharmacological interventions for insomnia disorder can cause constipation. If it does cause constipation, we have to dig deep into the factors that tell us how does Ambien cause constipation.

Factors That Lead To Constipation

Ambien is a strong depressant of the central nervous system. This might explain why will Ambien make you constipated. We will take a deeper look at how the sleeping drug affects our stomach health.

• The sedative properties of the drug not only slow down the brain but also the whole nervous system with it. This affects many of our bodily functions that are connected to the system, like breathing or heart rate. The digestive system is also connected to the nervous system. The depression of the CNS makes our bowel movements slower, causing constipation.
• Ambien can cause drowsiness the next day if you have not slept enough after taking the drug. This drowsiness can reduce your physical activity as it makes you feel weak and tired. If this continues you will be pushed into a sedentary lifestyle that affects your bowel movements.
• Because of its high sedativeness, the FDA does not approve this drug for long-term use. In 2019, a black box warning was added to make people aware of how Ambien can cause serious injuries and deaths. Nonetheless, the longer use of Ambien worsens gastrointestinal health causing chronic constipation.
• Many patients go through a condition called Xerostomia after taking Ambien. This happens when Ambien makes one sleep with an open mouth that dries up their mouth a lot. A dried mouth with dehydration is one of the most common ways in which Ambien causes constipation.

Treating Constipation Caused By Ambien

Now that we know how does Ambien cause constipation, it is time to understand the effects that can indicate you have a bad stomach while being on the dose. Let us take a look at all the ambien constipation side effect one can face when they have constipation.

Side Effects Of Ambien-Induced Constipation

• People may feel bloated and uneasy after eating.
• Immense pain and cramps can be experienced with long use.
• Hard and lower stool disposal may occur.
• Less physical activity causes weakness and lethargy.
• Constant vomiting and nausea due to the drug.
• Continued use can lead to a serious condition called fecal impaction.

Managing Constipation By Ambien

Studies show that constipation is an uncommon and rare side effect of Ambien. If it happens, a temporary repercussion arises that you must manage meticulously. Before dealing with Ambien, we must first focus on getting our gut health better. One of the first things we must do is have a healthy and fibrous diet at all times. It is very important to drink a lot of water here. Then the next thing to follow is increasing physical activity. Ambien might make you feel weak but beat that lethargy by walking and exercising. If your doctor allows, take OTC remedies for constipation like Senna and Miralax.

Controlling Ambien Use- Remedies And Replacements

Many studies, like one published in the Karger Journal, clearly claim that medications used are one of the sole reasons behind constipation. Ambien is one of those drugs that has even more side effects and serious consequences. The negative part about Ambien medication is that it can become very addictive. We must take up inpatient treatments like medical detoxification to tackle the dependence. Only an inpatient setting should host this procedure; do not attempt it on your own will. Talking about Ambien alternatives, supplements like Melatonin might be one of the best natural or OTC options. But the real answer to what is the safest and most effective sleep remedy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It is still acceptable that constipation might happen due to one’s personal change in food habits and lifestyle. But sleep medications causing this issue is the last thing one wants. To get the best insomnia treatment, use Ambien exactly as your doctor directs. Misuse will less likely lead to constipation, but it can take place.