Ambien is a medication often prescribed for treating sleep disorders. It is a common sedative used by people suffering from insomnia or sleep apnea. Kratom is an herbal supplement that has become frequent for use in treating numerous ailments, from diarrhea to chronic pain, fatigue and even stress management. One of its most renowned uses is as a sedative though. Understanding the effects of any medication or medicinal substance before taking it is of utmost importance. So let’s review some of the things that make Ambien similar and different.
Components
The main component of Ambien is a chemical called zolpidem tartrate, which is considered a hypnotic and is used in a number of prescription medications to help induce sleep and decrease occasions of waking up in the middle of the night. It essentially slows down the activity in the brain by increasing the functioning of brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps you fall asleep. Kratom is constituted of a series of chemicals termed as alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine are two primary alkaloids present in kratom and are the main catalyst in the analgesic and sedative properties of kratom. These alkaloids increase the production of hormones in the brain, including the production of melatonin, the hormone associated with sleep.
Half-Life
The half-life of any substance is measured by the time it takes for the substance to take effect and the time it takes for those effects to wear off, or for the effects of the medication to decrease by half. Ambien can begin to take effect within thirty minutes. The effects of the medication can last anywhere between three to eight hours. On average, Ambien doesn’t stay in the system for longer than 14 hours but this can vary depending on numerous factors. Most strains of kratom begin to take effect from ten to thirty minutes after consumption. Many red vein strains of kratom can last between five and ten hours. Kratom has been seen to remain in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours.
Addictive Properties
Ambien is a drug that has been classified as a sedative-hypnotic. This is because its major component, zolpidem, works to essentially slow the brain down, causing drowsiness and grogginess and then finally sleep. It has been said that while Ambien does not have the habit-forming properties of many other drugs, its effects are still highly addictive. It is not prescribed by doctors for long-term use and is usually prescribed only for a few weeks. Many users of Ambien get addicted, which can worsen their insomnia, requiring them to take the drug any time they need to sleep. Kratom has far fewer addictive properties. While this substance can lead to an emotional addiction, the effects are not as powerful and brain-altering as those of Ambien. In fact, kratom has been used in some cases to treat withdrawal symptoms and manage Ambien addictions as well as addictions to other opiates and substances. However, caution is still to be applied when taking kratom as using it in high doses frequently can result in an addictive habit and can also build up tolerance rendering it ineffective.
Side-Effects
Despite being designed to avoid many of the effects caused by barbiturates that were formerly used as a sedative, Ambien still has a number of side-effects. These include nausea and digestive distress, vision problems, muscle pain, breathing problems and an increase in heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, memory loss and nightmares. Ambien has also been known to affect cognitive function, reducing emotional connectivity and creating a feeling of disorientation. Like Ambien, kratom is has been reported to cause agitation and a rapid heart rate when taken in high doses and is not advisable for use by children or pregnant women. Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and loss of appetite are other side-effects that Ambien and kratom have in common. Other side-effects include constipation and residual drowsiness. For the most part, user reviews report waking up feeling fresh, unlike Ambien which users claim resulted in feeling less alert on waking up and having severe memory loss. However, repeated use of kratom in higher doses can lead to an increase in urination and eventually more serious liver problems. When kratom is mixed with prescription drugs or alcohol it has been observed to lead to seizures. Interactions with alcohol and both prescription and harder drugs have been reported as fatally dangerous.
Availability
Ambien is a regulated drug and a prescription is required to purchase the same. Ambien cannot be sold to anyone or used by anyone without a prescription. This is due to the strength and chemical effect of this drug on the brain. Kratom is by and large legal in most places. A few countries like Thailand have criminalized the possession and sale of kratom. In the United States, all states except for 7 allow the purchase, supply and sale of kratom, and most vendors have online portals for sale of kratom. Many of the trusted vendors have their product tested for pathogens and impurities before it goes on the market and the test results are available for review.