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Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien)

Posted by lusia @lusia, Dec 9, 2017

taking 5mg ambian for 20 years can melatonin help to ween me off

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Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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Hi, @arachel -- I thought a few other members on Connect who've also talked about taking Zolpidem (Ambien) might have some insights for you on 1) needing to take Zolpidem (Ambien) or other medications every day to sleep and 2) family members commenting that you have an "addiction," like @georgette12, @onewhoknows, @user_che69bc66,@johnhans, @pamelasa, @128128terry11t, @susanlorrie and @lauren123.

Where would you say you are at today regarding your decision on whether or not to keep taking the Zolpidem (Ambien)?

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robbinr | @robbinr | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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I've been taking Ambien since 1995. I cannot sleep without it. I absolutely do not care what anyone says about it, unless they come up with an alternative. Robbinr

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arachel | @arachel | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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Thanks, Lisa. I'll take a look at the links you suggested. I appreciate the information.
Right now I will continue taking the ambien since I am in the process of weaning off of Effexor. I don't think my body could handle withdrawal from two different drugs at the same time. I do, however, plan to do something about the ambien. I am going to see the sleep specialist tomorrow and see if he has any input on the matter. I'll certainly check back with any progress.

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arachel | @arachel | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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It's good to know that others have no qualms about continuing on Ambien. Have you had to increase your dosage at all during that time? I'm always afraid I'll build up a resistance to the drug and it will stop working.

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robbinr | @robbinr | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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I'm up to 10 mg. I also supplement the Ambien with a couple of other "sleep inducing" drugs because it doesn't work like it used to, but without it, I cannot get to sleep at all! It is kind of a chemical soup right now, but I am getting at least 5 hours a night. RR

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Gary, Alumni Mentor | @gman007 | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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Please do give us an update. I am particularly interested in his view of "addiction" to Ambien and any danger it poses. Good luck with your visit.

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Profile picture for Gary, Alumni Mentor
Gary, Alumni Mentor | @gman007 | Feb 5, 2018
In reply to @bernese53 "Hi, I have been taken Ambien since Sept. 2001. Like many of us, I had problems..." + (show)
Profile picture for bernese53 @bernese53

Hi,

I have been taken Ambien since Sept. 2001. Like many of us, I had problems falling asleep after the events of 9/11. I have struggled with insomnia for most of my adult life. Initially, I was taking 5 mg of Ambien as needed but after a few years, I was prescribed 10 mg which I have been taking every night for the last ten years. I saw both a neurologist and a sleep specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for an episode of Transient Global Amnesia (not related to Ambien use). Both were concerned about the DOSE of Ambien but not its frequency; the FDA has recommended a dose of less than 10 mg for women. Not one of my many doctors has suggested stopping the Ambien entirely. I also take Effexor and Wellbutrin for chronic depression; both enable me to get out of bed in the morning and live a relatively normal life.
Best of luck,
Helen

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I have had that thought twice in my adult life about my anti anxiety medication. Let's just say I am lucky to still be happily married to the same woman after being dumb enough to attempt something a second time that turned out so poorly the first. I am definitely a person who lives better through chemistry, as well as those who love me and would prefer that I stay at least slightly lovable.

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georgette12 | @georgette12 | Feb 5, 2018

what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He is less concerned with "addiction". i take 10 mg of ambien at night. in terms of addiction...for any med, this is what i finally decided. excuse me, world. i need help and i will no longer suffer if there is a chemical or even non-chemical, something that works. i don't nag smokers, drinkers, over-eaters, workaholics and exercise-aholics. all of which change the chemistry and biochemistry in one's body/brain/emotions.

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Parus | @parus | Feb 6, 2018
In reply to @georgette12 "what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He..." + (show)
Profile picture for georgette12 @georgette12

what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He is less concerned with "addiction". i take 10 mg of ambien at night. in terms of addiction...for any med, this is what i finally decided. excuse me, world. i need help and i will no longer suffer if there is a chemical or even non-chemical, something that works. i don't nag smokers, drinkers, over-eaters, workaholics and exercise-aholics. all of which change the chemistry and biochemistry in one's body/brain/emotions.

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I like how you think. I use Melatonin which is more effective than prescription drugs. I avoid doctors as much as possible as they "are" trained to prescribe.

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terryb1 | @128128terry11t | Feb 6, 2018
In reply to @arachel "Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my..." + (show)
Profile picture for arachel @arachel

Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don't debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my "addiction". I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.

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People are well meaning but can be inadvertently cruel with their comments. Ideally our bodies should be able to function without any drugs BUT we know that the vast majority of people need medication to help them be truly themselves -- the best that they can be. Would anyone say to a person who needs insulin that he or she is addicted to it and must stop? Would they say that to a person who is taking heart medication? Of course not. Being able to get the necessary sleep helps us to function better and to be "our best". We are fortunate if we are helped by medication; there are many who are not. I just moved from New York City where I know so many people who take ambien or other sleep aids and have done so for decades. Their internists, psychiatrists, and neurologists are the ones prescribing it for them. I take alprazolam and without it, I would be spending many sleepless nights. So what if one has to take medication to help with brain chemistry, emotional stability, sleep assistance or any other physical, mental, or emotional reason. Be grateful that these drugs work for you. Please don't let other people's words put you on a journey that may cause torment. Whether you are on these drugs or not, please always check with a trusted specialist as to what course is in your best interest. Terry

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