Zolpidem is sold under the brand name Ambien. It is a prescription drug in the sedative-hypnotic drug class. Because it changes brain activity to make you sleepy, it’s often prescribed to people who have trouble sleeping. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps people feel calm and relaxed. Ambien makes the effects of GABA stronger. Many people find that Ambien helps them sleep better, but it can also have some negative effects on their bodies. One of these effects is constipation. Below we will discuss does Ambien cause constipation.
How Does Ambien End Up Making You Constipated?
Because Ambien changes the way the body normally works, it can cause constipation, which means having irregular bowel movements or having trouble passing stools. Ambien and other sedative-hypnotics can slow down the body’s movements, including those in the digestive tract. This decrease in gut movement can cause a decrease in the number of bowel movements, which can cause constipation. While Ambien is supposed to slow down brain activity, it may have effects on other parts of the body that depend on muscles contracting regularly.
What Signs Should You Look Out For If You Have Constipation?
Ambien users should be aware of the signs of constipation, which include having less than three bowel movements a week, stools that are hard or lumpy, straining during bowel movements, and the feeling that the body isn’t emptying completely. If you keep having these symptoms, it could mean that your constipation is getting worse and needs to be dealt with or discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does Ambien Make Constipation Worse?
Ambien can make constipation worse, but other things in your life can make it worse even more. Not drinking enough water, eating a diet low in fiber, and not doing enough physical activity can all make constipation worse. While taking Ambien, people who pay close attention to what they eat, how much water they drink, and how active they stay can lower their risk of constipation.
How Can I Deal With Constipation Caused by Ambien?
Several methods are used to improve gut motility and stool consistency in order to treat constipation caused by Ambien. Some things that can help with constipation are eating more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drinking enough water, and working out regularly. Over-the-counter medicines like fiber supplements or stool softeners might also help, but you should talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor or Nurse?
It’s important to see a doctor if constipation gets worse or doesn’t go away despite making changes to your diet and lifestyle. They can figure out if Ambien is likely to be the cause of constipation and suggest the right steps to take, such as changing the dose, trying a different drug, or prescribing treatments that are specifically made to help with constipation and now the answer of does Ambien cause constipation is clearly explained from doctors’ choice.
Are There Long-Term Problems With Constipation Caused by Ambien?
Chronic constipation can make life difficult and cause problems like hemorrhoids or fecal impaction. Occasional constipation is usually easy to deal with and doesn’t usually cause long-term problems. It is important to catch and treat constipation as soon as possible, especially if you use Ambien, to avoid more serious stomach problems and keep your health and well-being in general.