What if you accidentally took two 10mg Ambien? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will explore what to do if you accidentally take two 10 mg Ambien, what is the normal recommended dose of Ambien, what are the side effects associated with two 10 mg pills of Ambien and how to ensure safe and effective use of Ambien.
What if you accidentally took two 10mg Ambien?
If you have taken two 10 mg Ambien (zolpidem) pills (a total of 20mg) accidentally, then you need to seek immediate medical attention. You need to reach out to your doctor immediately. Taking an extra dose of Ambien especially if not prescribed by your doctor can be dangerous for you. The normal recommended dose of Ambien is between 5-10mg (1).
Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem which belongs to the class of sedatives and hypnotics. It is usually prescribed as a sleeping pill for patients suffering from insomnia. Ambien calms the brain, promotes relaxation and induces sleep (2).
If you have taken a higher dose than what was prescribed, you need to immediately inform your doctor to get the best treatment as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
What steps should be taken if you accidentally overdose on Ambien?
In order to ensure safety, you need to follow the following steps:
- Consult your doctor as soon as possible. Contact emergency services or poison control immediately.
- Do not try to induce vomit. It can aggravate the situation.
- It is crucial to stay awake and alert.
- Avoid taking alcohol or any other sedatives after an Ambien overdose.
- There is no specific antidote for Ambien overdose. Flumazenil can reverse the sedative effects but the exact use of flumazenil is controversial for Ambien overdose.
After you have been taken to a healthcare facility, management of the symptoms is the crucial step in overdose management of Ambien.
- The vital signs of the patients are closely monitored.
- In case of recent ingestion, your doctor may proceed through gastric emptying by gastric lavage or activated charcoal to further limit the absorption of Ambien.
- Hydration is also important. IV fluids help with electrolyte management.
- Mechanical ventilation might be required if the patient is experiencing respiratory depression.
- Antiseizure may be administered to deal with seizures if any occur.
- Cardiac monitoring and support are also important.
What is the normal recommended dose of Ambien?
The normal recommended dose of Ambien varies depending on various factors. In adults, the usual starting dose for women is 5mg for women and 5-10mg for men taken once daily immediately before bedtime. However, for elderly or debilitated patients, due to increased sensitivity, the recommended starting dose is 6.25 mg taken once daily immediately before bedtime (3).
If the patient has a hepatic impairment, then the normal dose is 6.25 mg but if the hepatic impairment is severe, then Ambien is not recommended due to the risk of encephalopathy (4).
What are the side effects associated with taking two 10mg Ambien?
Taking 20 mg of Ambien is an overdose and it leads to severe potential side effects. The commonly reported side effects of Ambien are (5):
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Increased appetite
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Memory problems
- Hallucinations
- Allergic reactions
In case of overdose, all these side effects are bound to get severe. These may include (6):
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Impaired judgement and decision-making
- Slowed breathing
- Loss of consciousness or coma
How to ensure safe and effective use of Ambien?
In order to ensure a safe and effective use of Ambien you need to follow the following directions.
- Strictly adhere to the prescribed dose and never exceed the daily dose of 10mg.
- Take Ambien daily once before bedtime. Avoid taking it during the day and inconsistent times.
- Don’t use Ambien for longer durations than prescribed.
- Avoid concurrent use of other sedatives and alcohol when taking Ambien.
- Avoid taking Ambien with a meal as food in the stomach can delay the absorption of Ambien and delay the onset.
- Pay close attention to how Ambien is affecting you.
- Monitor your condition and keep track of all the effects.
- Open communication with your healthcare provider is essential regarding any concerns about the prescribed treatment.
In my opinion, 20 mg of Ambien is considered an overdose and if you take two 10 mg pills of Ambien accidentally then an immediate medical attention is what you need as soon as possible. This can lead you towards life-threatening side effects includng coma.
The exact effect of Ambien overdose may vary among individuals due to various factors involved such as genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, age and gender. Incase of any query regarding the use of Ambien or your medical condition you need to consult your healthcare professional.
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References
1.-
Merlotti L, Roehrs T, Koshorek G, Zorick F, Lamphere J, Roth T. The dose effects of zolpidem on the sleep of healthy normals. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1989 Feb;9(1):9-14. PMID: 2651493.
2.-
Bouchette, D. (2022, October 1). Zolpidem. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442008/
3.-
Zolpidem (Oral Route). (2023, December 8). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/zolpidem-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20061195
4.-
Sharma, M. K., Kainth, S., Kumar, S., Bhardwaj, A., Agarwal, H. K., Maiwall, R., Jamwal, K. D., Shasthry, S. M., Jindal, A., Choudhary, A., Anand, L., Dhamija, R. M., Kumar, G., Sharma, B. C., & Sarin, S. K. (2019). Effects of zolpidem on sleep parameters in patients with cirrhosis and sleep disturbances: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical and molecular hepatology, 25(2), 199–209. https://doi.org/10.3350/cmh.2018.0084
5.-
Zammit G. Comparative tolerability of newer agents for insomnia. Drug Saf. 2009;32(9):735-48. [PubMed] [Reference list]
6.-
Wyss PA, Radovanovic D, Meier-Abt PJ. Akute Uberdosierungen mit Zolpidem (Stilnox) [Acute overdose of Zolpidem (Stilnox)]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1996 May 4;126(18):750-6. German. PMID: 8693299.
