Hi. I’m sorry you are having such a battle; one I know only too well. You mentioned you have been taking it many years at the top dosage. How many years?
I have been taking it at least fifteen years at 12.5 and I believe that is the highest dosage. I have tried numerous different things : other drugs, antihistamines, edibles came closest to anything that worked. I have had two sleep studies and they recommended that I stay in in the Ambien because I had tried so many different Pharmaceuticals.
What did you mean about “women taking less?” Was a reason given?
Right now I am trying, again, a CPAP machine. It just might work this time. It’s a lot more comfortable than it was seven years ago, when I gave up trying. It’s supposed to help (maybe get off the Ambien) also with clenching (teeth) during the night, which is a real problem for me.
Let me know how you’re doing.😊