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Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien) - any tips?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Aug 12 4:42pm | Replies (479)Comment receiving replies
@azteacher7 Welcome back to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.
You have been taking Ambien for 10 years and your son and former internist have expressed their want for you to stop Ambien for several reasons. You were successful in not taking Ambien for a few months due to the use of a cpap machine for sleep apnea. However now you feel claustrophobic and anxious due to the cpap machine and do note wear it. Ambien is again needed to sleep.
It sounds like you are a vicious cycle and you're not sure what to do to break this cycle.
May I ask what kind of a relationship you have with your new provider (P.A). I'm also wondering if you have considered behavioral interventions for sleep and anxiety? Many people find that medications don't address all sleep and anxiety symptoms and that therapy alongside medication works best. Do you think your current provider would refer and coordinate with a behavioral health specialist for symptom management?
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I don’t have a very close relationship with the PA. I want to get a new primary dr but just keep putting it off. I know I also need to see a psychologist for several issues and have known this for a while. Since Covid began and having Medicare+a supplement, I’m not sure how to find someone at this time. I’m not opposed to behavioral interventions, not sure what that would look like.