Zolpidem: Difference between revisions

In regards to how the consumption of this compound results in its bizarre hallucinations, the pharmacological mechanics behind this are not understood and do not seem to have been directly studied. It is worth noting, however, that zolpidem impact on regional activity may overlap with that of other hallucinogenic GABAergic drugs such as [[muscimol]], the active compound within the hallucinogenic [[amanita muscaria]] mushroom.

The subjective effects of zolpidem seem to vary wildly between individuals with certain users experiencing a complete lack of hallucinations whilst others experience them even at lower dosages. Generally, a recreational zolpidem dose has features comparable to [[DXM]], [[DPH]], [[alprazolam]] and [[psilocin]]. It is also quite similar to the hallucinogen [[amanita muscaria]].

It contains many of the physical and cognitive effects of [[benzodiazepines]] with a moderately [[dissociative#subjective effects|dissociated]] headspace most similar to that of [[DXM]]. This occurs alongside bizarre thought patterns and [[external hallucinations]] similar to those of [[deliriants]] and [[visual distortions]] most similar to those of [[psychedelics]]. Overall, this makes zolpidem an extremely unique and unpredictable [[hallucinogen]] which it is strongly recommended to have a [[trip sitter]].

*'''[[Effect::Geometry]]''' - The geometry produced by zolpidem shares similarities with [[DXM]] and generally shifts between jitteriness and static.

Zolpidem has been reported to cause [[psychosis]], [[delusions]] and delirium at a significantly higher rate than other [[hallucinogens]] like [[LSD]], [[ketamine]], or [[DMT]]. There are a large number of experience reports online which describe states of delirium, amnesia, bizarre behavior,<ref>/r/ambien (reddit) | https://www.reddit.com/r/ambien/top/</ref> sleep walking,<ref name="Hoque2009">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hoque, R.)), ((Chesson, A. L.)) | journal=Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine | title=Zolpidem-Induced Sleepwalking, Sleep Related Eating Disorder, and Sleep-Driving: Fluorine-18-Flourodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Analysis, and a Literature Review of Other Unexpected Clinical Effects of Zolpidem | volume=5 | issue=5 | pages=471–476 | date=15 October 2009 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2762721/ | issn=1550-9389}}</ref> driving while impaired<ref name="Hoque2009" /><ref>http://www.nhcriminaldefense.com/auto_accident_injury.html</ref> and other serious consequences after abusing the drug. In many cases this has resulted in hospitalization, arrests,<ref>{{Citation | title=Passengers recount horror as Air Force vet threatens to bring down transatlantic Delta flight | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/passengers-recount-horror-air-force-vet-threatens-bring-transatlantic-delta-flight-article-1.169677}}</ref> car crashes,<ref>{{Citation | vauthors=((News, A. B. C.)) | title=Kerry Kennedy Says Ambien “Overtook” Her, Causing Car Crash | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/kerry-kennedy-ambien-overtook-causing-car-crash/story?id=22679672}}</ref> lengthy court cases and even death.<ref>{{Citation | year=2014 | title=The Disturbing Side Effect Of The No. 1 Prescription Sleep Aid | url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ambien-side-effect-sleepwalking-sleep-aid_n_4589743}}</ref>  

Although dependence builds up more slowly than in benzodiazepines, discontinuation from regular recreational doses of zolpidem appear to be as difficult as  [[Benzodiazepine#Discontinuation|benzodiazepine discontinuation]];<ref name="Sethi2005" /> it is potentially life-threatening for individuals using regularly to discontinue use without tapering their dose over a period of weeks. There is an increased risk of [[hypertension]], [[seizures]], and death.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Lann, M. A.)), ((Molina, D. K.)) | journal=The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology | title=A fatal case of benzodiazepine withdrawal | volume=30 | issue=2 | pages=177–179 | date= June 2009 | issn=1533-404X | doi=10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181875aa0}}</ref> Drugs which lower the seizure threshold such as [[tramadol]] should be avoided during withdrawal.

*'''[[Stimulants]]''' -  It is dangerous to combine zolpidem with [[stimulant]]s due to the risk of excessive intoxication. Stimulants decrease the [[sedation|sedative]] effect of zolpidem, which is the main factor most people consider when determining their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant wears off, the effects of zolpidem will be significantly increased, leading to intensified [[disinhibition]] as well as [[Zolpidem#Subjective effects|other effects]]. If combined, one should strictly limit themselves to only dosing a certain amount of zolpidem every few hours at minimum. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if hydration is not monitored.