How Much Does Ambien Cost?
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for your health and overall wellness. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 1 in 3 adults have difficulty falling and staying asleep. This results in increased illnesses and road accidents. The prescription medication Ambien helps people fall asleep. However, due to its highly addictive nature, some people abuse the medication and purchase it on the black market.
Although most insurance companies cover Ambien with a valid prescription, some individuals purchase it on the street for as much as $30 for a 10 mg pill.
If you or someone you know uses Ambien more than prescribed, you may have an addiction. Zinnia Health understands the nature of addiction and the discomfort of withdrawal. Our medication-assisted detox program ensures you’ll be comfortable throughout your recovery process. Call us at (855) 430-9439 to find out more.
How Much Does Ambien Cost on the Street?
Ambien is the brand name for the generic medication zolpidem tartrate. Prescription drug prices for Ambien range from $22 per pill, depending on your pharmacy, dosage, and location. Healthcare insurance companies in the United States cover Ambien so long as it is prescribed for an approved condition. Generic Ambien is often less costly.
Physicians can prescribe Ambien for off-label uses, but your insurance may not pay for it.
Ambien isn’t a popular street drug in America, though you can find it in California, where the average cost is $30 for a 10 mg pill, according to StreetRX.
What Factors Can Impact the Price of Vicodin?
Although Ambien has the potential for abuse, it isn’t as addictive as opioid medications or other controlled substances. This results in lower street demand. However, if someone buys Ambien on the street, the price is much higher than a pharmacy.
The price of illicit Ambien is driven by:
- Supply
- Dosage
- Location
- Demand
What Does Ambien Cost in Other Countries?
The cost of Ambien varies in other countries, depending on supply and demand. Many countries obtain Ambien from unscrupulous manufacturers that don’t abide by safe practices in developing pharmaceuticals.
Nevertheless, those who have an addiction to Ambien may purchase pills from street dealers in other countries while on vacation or work trips.
According to StreetRX, zolpidem is 10 pounds for one 10 mg pill. This is nearly double the prescription price in the United States.
Although Americans can purchase drugs like Ambien in Mexico without a prescription, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Mexico state that counterfeit pharmaceuticals have sounded their way to legitimate pharmacies. These pills may contain deadly doses of fentanyl, but look like the real thing.
Purchasing illicit Ambien can put you at risk of getting fentanyl exposure and exposure to other unknown synthetic additives. It is impossible to tell if street Ambien purchased overseas is the real thing or a synthetic, counterfeit pill.
Some street dealers upsell mild sedatives like Klonopin or oxycontin as sleeping pills at a higher street value. Lower-price Ambien could be synthetic.
What Is the Trend for People Searching for Ambien?
Ambien street price” began trending in December of 2021, with all searches coming from Kansas and California. According to Google Trends, other trending topics related to Ambien include:
- “street price for Ambien”
- “ambien 10mg street price”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Does Ambien Look Like?
Ambien pills differ depending on the milligram and manufacturer. However, they are all capsule-shaped hard tablets with letters and numbers printed on the front and back.
According to Ambien pill images on Drugs.com, 5 mg Ambien is pink with “AMB 5” imprinted on the front and “5401” on the back. Ambien 10 mg, on the other hand, is imprinted with “AMB 10” on the front and “5421” on the back.
The look of Ambien can change as more manufacturers market the pill.
Synthetic or fake Ambien can look identical to the real thing. It is impossible to tell if street ambient is real or synthetic, so getting your Ambien from a reputable pharmacy with a prescription is best.
What Is the Legal Status of Ambien?
Ambien is classified as a sedative-hypnotic and a schedule IV-controlled substance. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, obtaining Ambien with a prescription remains legal in the United States so long as the prescription was not forged or obtained through doctor shopping.
According to Scharff Law Firm, possessing Ambien without a legal prescription in a quantity of 100 tablets or more can result in two-year imprisonment and fines. Possessing Ambien without a prescription is a Class 1 felony.
If you or someone you know are facing Ambien addiction or suffering from withdrawal symptoms after quitting, contact Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 to learn about our science-backed treatment options.
How Is a Street Ambien Used?
Like legally prescribed Ambien, street Ambien comes in tablet form. Individuals may swallow the pills or crush them and snort them. Some dissolve crushed Ambien pills into liquid and inject the solution for a more rapid effect. However, using Ambien in a way other than prescribed is dangerous and illegal.
The effects of Ambien depend on its administration route. This medication works on the central nervous system and brain when taken orally. However, when snorting or injecting Ambien, this drug’s effects on the brain are changed. This increases the risk of adverse effects.
Why Is Street Ambien Dangerous?
The sleep aid Ambien, like Lunesta, changes your brain’s chemistry to induce sleep. When used as directed, it is extremely effective, but using more than prescribed can lead to abuse and overdose.
Symptoms of Ambien abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Respiratory depression
According to MedlinePlus, zolpidem (Ambien) overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Slowed, heartbeat and breathing
- Coma
If you suspect an overdose, call the Poison Control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. If you feel you’re losing consciousness, call 911.
Important Details About Ambien Addiction
Knowing how much Ambien you should take without a physician’s prescription is impossible. The amount prescribed considers your current state of health, other prescription medications you may be taking, and your weight and age.
Unprescribed Ambien could contain benzodiazepines and other prescription drugs like Xanax, diazepam, alprazolam, valium, lorazepam, or oxycodone. These meds increase the side effects of street Ambien, especially if taken in it’s highest dose. Using these drugs together could create deadly drug interactions and increase your risk for drug abuse.
To reduce your risk of an overdose, get help for Ambient addiction right away. Comprehensive treatment programs like those at residential rehab centers, work to address both mental and physical dependency. Programs like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and 12-step, help you find new avenues of enjoyment while addressing the triggers that cause relapse.
If you or someone you know are in need of addiction treatment, contact Zinnia Health using our confidential and free helpline at (855) 430-9439 . We’ll help you kick drug addiction for good.