Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien)

I was taking Ambien for almost 15 years...no problems..Started having bad side effects such as bringing food into bed and not remembering a thing, bad pains in my stomach with nausea. . Stopped it cold turkey. Tried anxiety meds, melatonin, chamomile tea, but didn’t do anything to help. Smoking MJ helped in the beginning but it’s not helping much now. I’m desperate. The only thing that knocks me out is Ambien but I’m afraid.

I have gotten off Ambien a number of times. Tried the holistic route.essential oils, deep breathing, prayer plus all kinds of other sleeping pills. The only thing that worked, was Ambien, which gave me some sleep—never 7/8 hours but at least I slept. It’s so frustrating I wish I was normal. People sleep through all kinds of horrendous situations, war, medical issues, homeless and sleeping on the streets. Living in refugee camps, in freezing conditions or sweltering conditions, prisoners in concentration camps, and I can’t sleep in a nice comfortable bed.
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Be gentle with yourself. I have been taking Ambien since 9/11. I can’t sleep without it and have decided that it is okay to continue to take it. You may reach a different conclusion but please be gentle with yourself in terms of thinking about your insomnia.

Thank you. I just cut it by 25 percent and will see how it goes. I agree beating yourself us causes more anxiety. Again thanks for the help.

Iam weaning off ambien. 15mg for 20 years. I am going to start small does of Trazodone with smaller does of ambien. Cleared with my doc. I am having anxiety and depression. I think as the Trazadone builds up that should help. If I still want ambien at the end, I will only take occasionally. Just want to see if I can .sleep without ambien. Not going to pressure myself. Tried it and I felt terrible. Be kind to yourselves everybody.

My concern is that Ambien has been associated with Alzheimer’s in more than one study. Trying to taper.

I have tapered to 30 percent less and starting to sleep more deeply. I hope I can get completely off ambien. Doing it slowly because I tried cold turkey and it was not pleasant. Also think I was emotionally addicted, even more of a reason to go slow. Try meditation it is helping enormously. Good luck.

Hi, @melissa15 -- welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sounds like you've been doing some research on zolpidem (Ambien), which is wise.

Here is some Mayo Clinic information on this medication you might find useful:
- general information about zolpidem (Ambien), https://mayocl.in/2nZkT0L
- article @kanaazpereira mentioned several months ago in this discussion by a sleep medicine specialist on whether dependence on zolpidem (Ambien) is possible and potential side effects, https://mayocl.in/2OSZxxi

How are things going with your sleep as you are tapering, @melissa15?

@maryshipley -- wondered if you'd share more about what you said about thinking you were emotionally addicted to zolpidem (Ambien)?

I think for me, I took it for so long it became a security blanket. I would almost panic If on a business trip and I forgot to bring the medication. Just going down 30 percent and now able to go into a deeper sleep, has been reassuring. Hope this helps someone.

I developed insomnia when I started having seizures. The seizures were medication induced. I have tried everything for sleep but always come back to ambian. I am 65 and don't have any side effects from having taken it for so long. My doctor weighs the damage my body experiences without sleep and sleep with medication. Take as directed or you will regret running out before you can get your refill. Some insurance companies will only give you 15 a month without a authorization from your doctor.