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← Return to Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien)
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I have been taking 10 mg of Ambien for the last ten years. I have tried melatonin but it did not work for me. I understand that it is important to be under a doctor's supervision when you cut back on Ambien. Anyone here who has been successful in terms of cutting back/quitting Ambien?
Replies to "I have been taking 10 mg of Ambien for the last ten years. I have tried..."
My sleep issues continue since weaning myself off an Ambien-equivalent a few years ago. At the time my worst side effect was a deep, strong, unpleasant, debilitating, short lived vibration in my head that came frequently then occurred infrequently for several years. Oddly, I get that same nasty zap when I am awakened at night, presumably because of low blood oxygen levels since I have to gulp for air and I feel I was on the edge of death. So I am left wondering whether there is a connection between the drug and the low oxygen levels. So much for anti-anxiety and sleep-promoting meds.
I felt forced into trying Ambien at the time because of single parenthood and work demands, not that my sleep was even helped so I could function better. I only use cannabis now to calm my busy and fretful mind, and I accept bad patches of insomnia as best I can. Oh, and can’t work anymore, needless to say. Nobody wants a brainy, bitchy zombie in the workplace.
@bernese53 I too have been on 10mg of Zolpidem for around 10 years. Every time I mention going off of it my primary doesn’t seem concerned. I started taking it because I have a hard time getting to sleep and I get daily migraines that just get worse if I’m sleep deprived. My issue now is the 10 mg don’t work so well, and I’ve been “night eating.” I’m trying to loose weight, but it doesn’t help if I’m up in the middle of the night stuffing my face!!
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I just changed Drs. UT Health.
My Dr. is at true end of his career. Let’s just say he is Bidenesque.
I took my prescription bottles and he did not look at them. He just took my written prescription list.
I was out of Ambien and the nurse said you know that’s a Schedule #}# Med don’t you.
I didn’t get smart with her but I’ve been taking Ambien 23 years so I know more than she does if she doesn’t take Ambien. Last night I ran out of my Ambien.
By 4:30 I could not sleep. I tried to call them but their line went to answering service.
So tonight another restless night.
I don’t abuse this medicine, i’m fact I had two expired refills on tbe bottle. I dont need to all time but when I need it I need it