Weaning off 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.

Hi, @mickie75 - thinking of you and wondering how it's going with the zolpidem (Ambien)?

@maryshipley -- how are things going with the lower doses of zolpidem (Ambien) and increasing the trazadone?

Taken 10 mg. For years & my dr. Will no longer give me a script. I am now in that panic mode! Help, looking for the best way to stop. I am 67 and still working.

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.

Hi. Am new to Connect. I’ve been on ambien (5 mg) for years. Absolutely a security blanket. I also take .25 Xanax and a melatonin. My doctor wants me off the ambien and Xanax and thinks therapy to reduce stress and anxiety is the answer. I have no stress or anxiety at this time in my life, I couldn’t be happier. However, If I don’t take the ambien at bedtime, I eventually take it hours later after not sleeping, Need help in weaning.

Go slowly is my advise. I know where you are. I was on 15 mil. For 20 years. I have been listening to meditation apps just before bedtime. This is helping me. Teaches me to clear my mind so that I can fall asleep. Also focusing on not worrying about sleep. You will make it will through this. One day at a time. Message me anytime.

Hi Helen:
Thank you for taking the time to tell your story. I sometimes feel that I'm the odd one out having to rely on both antidepressants and ambien at the same time. After reading many posts here at Mayo Clinic Connect, I am realizing that I'm not such an odd duck. My doctors also don't discourage me from taking the ambien, but my family doctor has suggested that I begin lowering my Effexor dosage and has been helping me with the process. I've been taking Effexor for 15 years and I am willing to cut it down or get off of it entirely just to see how I do without it. I always had a problem with insomnia but didn't realize that there was a drug out there that would make such a difference in my quality of life. In 2001, my first husband died of cancer at age 54. I was his caretaker and held down a full time job at the same time. Sleep consisted of an hour or two before I had to get up to tend to my husband. Then I would try to get back to sleep for a while before it would start all over again. I was a hot mess before I ended up at the doctors office. He made sure I understood how important it was for me to sleep and prescribed ambien. I was lucky enough to have my mother in law spend some time helping me and I was able to try the ambien. It was right then and there that I realized that I didn't know what a good nights sleep was. I've been taking it ever since. I wonder if I could live without the ambien now, but I am so afraid to try. They say, if its not broken, don't fit it, but in this case does that still apply?

I am at half dose of ambien. Still waking a couple of times however. Working on meditation and have STOPPED worrying about going to sleep. Thanks for checking. Not an easy process.