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← Return to Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien)
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I have been taking Zolpidem 12.5mg for several years. I started on 5mg about 10 years ago and then went to 10mg. This treatment has worked well for me. I have tried others in the past that were not effective or did not work after a few weeks. I moved to Missouri from Florida over a year ago and set up my PCP at a family practice in the new state. During my time here I have never actually seen the doctor, only Nurse Practitioner. NP called me into the office to tell me the doctor (who has never seen me or spoken to me) has decided he will not refill Zolpidem anymore. I have never had a problem at all on this medication. Now, aside from the sleeplessness I am afraid there will be other withdrawals. Is there something I can do?
Replies to "I have been taking Zolpidem 12.5mg for several years. I started on 5mg about 10 years..."
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Hi, @akubanek, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like the news that your new doctor, whom you've not yet seen, is taking you off the zolpidem came as quite a surprise.
Here is a Mayo Clinic article on Ambien, one of the brand names for zolpidem, that may interest you https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/ambien/faq-20058103
I wonder if your new doctor may be concerned about side effects or about the potential for masking an underlying problem, as Dr. Olson talks about in this article?
Would it be possible, @akubanek, to make an appointment to see the doctor specifically, to address your sleep needs and discuss his decision about this medication?