Intermezzo (Zolpidem) Withdrawal and Detox

Intermezzo is a brand-name, prescription drug that comes in a sublingual tablet. Intermezzo, also known as zolpidem in the generic, tablet form, is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It can be taken either before bedtime or during sleeping hours, as long as someone has at least four hours of bedtime left. Classified as a sedative-hypnotic, Intermezzo behaves like a benzodiazepine such as Xanax in many ways. Intermezzo shouldn’t be used for more than a few weeks because there is a potential for dependence and addiction. If someone becomes dependent upon Intermezzo, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.

When someone is dependent upon Intermezzo and stops, their withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common Intermezzo withdrawal symptoms are often rebound symptoms. Rebound symptoms are, ironically, the symptoms the drug was originally used to treat. During withdrawal, a person will often have a recurrence of these symptoms, and they may be worse than they were before. Common Intermezzo withdrawal symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Sweating
• Aches and pains
• Nervousness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nightmares
• Memory problems
• Shaking

Seizures are also possible in severe cases of withdrawal. Any drug that affects GABA receptors can cause seizures if someone is dependent upon the drug and suddenly stops using it. Other drugs that have similar withdrawal side effects include alcohol and benzodiazepines like Xanax.

The Intermezzo withdrawal timeline can vary based on different factors. For example, how often someone uses Intermezzo and how long they have been using it are relevant. Additionally, the amount of dosage, a person’s metabolism, age and gender all affect the withdrawal timeline. If someone abuses multiple drugs, Intermezzo withdrawal symptoms can last longer. People with co-occurring mental health disorders may also experience a longer period of withdrawal. If someone is only mildly dependent upon Intermezzo, their withdrawal symptoms may only last for a few days. On the other hand, people who have used Intermezzo heavily and chronically may experience withdrawal symptoms for months.

Generally, withdrawal starts a day or two after someone uses the last dose of the drug. The initial withdrawal symptoms may feel like a hangover from alcohol use. Symptoms of early Intermezzo withdrawal include confusion, headaches, a lack of alertness and a feeling of mental cloudiness. Around two days after the last dose is taken, rebound symptoms can start to appear. These symptoms can include insomnia and psychological symptoms. Intermezzo withdrawal symptoms will usually peak anywhere from the third to the seventh day after the last dose. Within two to four weeks, symptoms start to subside for most people. However, for people with severe dependence, some of the psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or insomnia, may persist for months. Ongoing or protracted Intermezzo withdrawal symptoms may seem like a psychiatric disorder, but over time they do dissipate.

With Intermezzo withdrawal, the best way to manage symptoms is to follow a tapering-down schedule. This refers to gradually stopping the use of Intermezzo over time rather than stopping suddenly or “cold turkey.” A tapering-down schedule can minimize some of the most severe symptoms of Intermezzo withdrawal but should only be done under the supervision of a physician. During a medically supervised detox, an individual receives medical help as they go through withdrawal in order to carefully manage their symptoms. Trying to go through Intermezzo withdrawal at home can be dangerous and isn’t recommended, particularly for people who have a severe dependence.

Some drugs, such as opioids, have specific medications that are FDA-approved to help people detox. Unfortunately, there are no specific Intermezzo medications designed to replace Intermezzo during detox. With that being said, medical professionals can prescribe certain medications to ensure patients maintain stable vitals and are as safe and comfortable as they can be during detox. Since many of the Intermezzo withdrawal symptoms are psychological, a person may also be prescribed medications to treat these symptoms. For example, someone may be prescribed a long-term anxiety medication during Intermezzo detox. The purpose of this method is to reduce the risk of severe symptoms while helping someone prepare for successful treatment following an Intermezzo detox.

When someone is looking for an Intermezzo detox center, they should look for a facility with a professional medical team. It can also be helpful to choose an Intermezzo detox center that also has addiction treatment programs. The ideal scenario is when someone completes detox and then seamlessly moves into addiction treatment. They are already stabilized in detox and likely are taking any needed psychiatric medications. This makes the chances of a successful addiction treatment program more likely.

Contact The Recovery Village to learn about detox and addiction treatment. We’re here today to talk to you.