I been on it for years as well. I can't sleep without of them. But going try to cut my in half for aweek then going try stop completing. Been so long on it and with this sleep apnea started fell more tired and sleepy doing the day. So going get off of it. I afraid to do it cold turkey.
@lisalovestim & @kelbel Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.
@lisalovestim You mentioned that you have been on Ambien for years and want to get off of it. Have you discussed this with your provider? Sometimes can help with the tapering process, as @sndishpr said. I'm not sure about Ambien but I do know that some medications can be dangerous to go off of without a provider's guidance.
I've been taking Ambien since 1995. I cannot sleep without it. I absolutely do not care what anyone says about it, unless they come up with an alternative. Robbinr
I know this is an old post, but just noticed it and I am in the same boat with you since 1995. Saw a top sleep specialist in NYC over 20 yrs ago and he convinced me that a lack of sleep is far worse for the body and mind than having ambien in your system. With a lifetime chronic anxiety disorder to deal with, not getting sleep exacerbates that condition and weakens the immune system, nervous system, heart, lungs and makes one more susceptible to virtually every degenerative and infectious disease.
I know this is an old post, but just noticed it and I am in the same boat with you since 1995. Saw a top sleep specialist in NYC over 20 yrs ago and he convinced me that a lack of sleep is far worse for the body and mind than having ambien in your system. With a lifetime chronic anxiety disorder to deal with, not getting sleep exacerbates that condition and weakens the immune system, nervous system, heart, lungs and makes one more susceptible to virtually every degenerative and infectious disease.
Hello @amanokumar, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience on the importance of sleep. Can you share what you were searching for when you found this discussion?
I'm trying to wean myself off of Ambien. I have been on it since 2014. And I'll admit I'm entirely dependent on it to sleep.
My psychiatrist says staying on it is no problem - 10mg per night - but my GP says otherwise. I've tried numerous times to get off of it with no success. I'm 59, F, and am also being treated for major depression (20mg of Viibryd daily). My other attempts at weaning off Ambien always result in rebound insomnia, chills/sweats, nausea, and headaches.
The reason I want to get off it is that my short-term memory is taking a hit, and I think Ambien is part of the cause. I've tried weaning before, by lowering the dose over time, alternating nights, etc. My psych doctor says try different weaning schedules if what I'm doing isn't working. I'm weaning off right now, I started by lowering the dose over several nights (5mg), and want to know if I should start alternating nights over the next week or so to complete the process. CBT is also part of my process and I'm working with a therapist, so that's an additional help getting through this.
I just want to try getting off it. If it turns out that I sleep better with Ambien than without, I will consider going back on it. I realize that Ambien-induced sleep is better than no sleep at all. Insomnia has been a problem for me since childhood, my siblings have the same issue. Have been tested for apnea and have no major health problems that might be causing it.
One further question. How bad are the withdrawal symptoms, and how long will they last?
I'm trying to wean myself off of Ambien. I have been on it since 2014. And I'll admit I'm entirely dependent on it to sleep.
My psychiatrist says staying on it is no problem - 10mg per night - but my GP says otherwise. I've tried numerous times to get off of it with no success. I'm 59, F, and am also being treated for major depression (20mg of Viibryd daily). My other attempts at weaning off Ambien always result in rebound insomnia, chills/sweats, nausea, and headaches.
The reason I want to get off it is that my short-term memory is taking a hit, and I think Ambien is part of the cause. I've tried weaning before, by lowering the dose over time, alternating nights, etc. My psych doctor says try different weaning schedules if what I'm doing isn't working. I'm weaning off right now, I started by lowering the dose over several nights (5mg), and want to know if I should start alternating nights over the next week or so to complete the process. CBT is also part of my process and I'm working with a therapist, so that's an additional help getting through this.
I just want to try getting off it. If it turns out that I sleep better with Ambien than without, I will consider going back on it. I realize that Ambien-induced sleep is better than no sleep at all. Insomnia has been a problem for me since childhood, my siblings have the same issue. Have been tested for apnea and have no major health problems that might be causing it.
One further question. How bad are the withdrawal symptoms, and how long will they last?
That’s good you don’t have underlying medical issues. I haven’t taken it long but I have been weaning for a few months and I am finding the key is slow and steady. For me: I gave my sleep to the Lord, I bought a pill cutter and a CBT-I program. I also went to counseling at my Church for a couple of months. I started with half a pill then a quarter pill then an eighth of a pill now down to micro dosing. I am taking my time with each downgrade and if you have to restart a night or two it’s ok just go right back to the program. Do the downgrades when you feel good and there isn’t a ton of stress. And remember you can go at whatever pace you need. At each cycle you might adjust right away or you might take a week or so. Then when you are sleeping good star into the next downgrade. I sleep better with less medicine and I take a little melatonin. It is more psychological for me. Give yourself grace and take your time.
That’s good you don’t have underlying medical issues. I haven’t taken it long but I have been weaning for a few months and I am finding the key is slow and steady. For me: I gave my sleep to the Lord, I bought a pill cutter and a CBT-I program. I also went to counseling at my Church for a couple of months. I started with half a pill then a quarter pill then an eighth of a pill now down to micro dosing. I am taking my time with each downgrade and if you have to restart a night or two it’s ok just go right back to the program. Do the downgrades when you feel good and there isn’t a ton of stress. And remember you can go at whatever pace you need. At each cycle you might adjust right away or you might take a week or so. Then when you are sleeping good star into the next downgrade. I sleep better with less medicine and I take a little melatonin. It is more psychological for me. Give yourself grace and take your time.
Also - I meant to say my primary Dr. suggested that if I felt withdrawals then to go slower. It would be easier if it was the pills were beaded then you could just go bead by bead.
That’s good you don’t have underlying medical issues. I haven’t taken it long but I have been weaning for a few months and I am finding the key is slow and steady. For me: I gave my sleep to the Lord, I bought a pill cutter and a CBT-I program. I also went to counseling at my Church for a couple of months. I started with half a pill then a quarter pill then an eighth of a pill now down to micro dosing. I am taking my time with each downgrade and if you have to restart a night or two it’s ok just go right back to the program. Do the downgrades when you feel good and there isn’t a ton of stress. And remember you can go at whatever pace you need. At each cycle you might adjust right away or you might take a week or so. Then when you are sleeping good star into the next downgrade. I sleep better with less medicine and I take a little melatonin. It is more psychological for me. Give yourself grace and take your time.
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. I have my pills cut into halves, 3/4 and smaller increments right now. Not feeling particularly stressed right now but just got my first dose of Moderna vaccine. We'll see how that sorts out. I have enough to stretch out tapering for about a week and a half. CBT does help, has your experience with it been good so far?
I can't use melatonin, any size dosage gives me horrible nightmares and night terrors. Tried Benadryl but it made me jittery. I don't want to take any other prescription sleep stuff, some people have good results with Trazadone but I tried it twice and it made me really sick.
We'll see how this goes, like I said if I can't get to a normal level of sleep (5-6 hours a night at least) I may have to go back on the Ambien. Until I started taking Ambien I would seldom ever sleep more than 5 hours a night, often 4 or less. For my entire life up until using Ambien, and I had no idea how sleep deprived I really was until the first week of a solid 7-8 hours a night!
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. I have my pills cut into halves, 3/4 and smaller increments right now. Not feeling particularly stressed right now but just got my first dose of Moderna vaccine. We'll see how that sorts out. I have enough to stretch out tapering for about a week and a half. CBT does help, has your experience with it been good so far?
I can't use melatonin, any size dosage gives me horrible nightmares and night terrors. Tried Benadryl but it made me jittery. I don't want to take any other prescription sleep stuff, some people have good results with Trazadone but I tried it twice and it made me really sick.
We'll see how this goes, like I said if I can't get to a normal level of sleep (5-6 hours a night at least) I may have to go back on the Ambien. Until I started taking Ambien I would seldom ever sleep more than 5 hours a night, often 4 or less. For my entire life up until using Ambien, and I had no idea how sleep deprived I really was until the first week of a solid 7-8 hours a night!
I tapered off Temazepam about a year ago. Took 4 months to get off but it worked slick. Now taking Trazodone. The Temazepam was over prescribed. For a petite 78 year old lady!
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. I have my pills cut into halves, 3/4 and smaller increments right now. Not feeling particularly stressed right now but just got my first dose of Moderna vaccine. We'll see how that sorts out. I have enough to stretch out tapering for about a week and a half. CBT does help, has your experience with it been good so far?
I can't use melatonin, any size dosage gives me horrible nightmares and night terrors. Tried Benadryl but it made me jittery. I don't want to take any other prescription sleep stuff, some people have good results with Trazadone but I tried it twice and it made me really sick.
We'll see how this goes, like I said if I can't get to a normal level of sleep (5-6 hours a night at least) I may have to go back on the Ambien. Until I started taking Ambien I would seldom ever sleep more than 5 hours a night, often 4 or less. For my entire life up until using Ambien, and I had no idea how sleep deprived I really was until the first week of a solid 7-8 hours a night!
Lynn I am sorry you have gone through all of that and totally understand. For me CBT-I was one tool. I read the material and discerned what was relevant. I still review it from time to time. I learned a lot about how the brain works. The good news is our brains are very pliable! For me my faith plays a much bigger role. Also, exercise is important but don’t overdo it. Feel good that you are taking steps to take care of yourself and you are working with Drs who know you and care about you... I had to let go and do that as well. I am at a place where if it takes months (or whatever) to get to the place you need to be so be it.
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@lisalovestim & @kelbel Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.
@lisalovestim You mentioned that you have been on Ambien for years and want to get off of it. Have you discussed this with your provider? Sometimes can help with the tapering process, as @sndishpr said. I'm not sure about Ambien but I do know that some medications can be dangerous to go off of without a provider's guidance.
I know this is an old post, but just noticed it and I am in the same boat with you since 1995. Saw a top sleep specialist in NYC over 20 yrs ago and he convinced me that a lack of sleep is far worse for the body and mind than having ambien in your system. With a lifetime chronic anxiety disorder to deal with, not getting sleep exacerbates that condition and weakens the immune system, nervous system, heart, lungs and makes one more susceptible to virtually every degenerative and infectious disease.
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1 ReactionHello @amanokumar, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience on the importance of sleep. Can you share what you were searching for when you found this discussion?
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1 ReactionHi All,
I'm a newbie here. 🙂
I'm trying to wean myself off of Ambien. I have been on it since 2014. And I'll admit I'm entirely dependent on it to sleep.
My psychiatrist says staying on it is no problem - 10mg per night - but my GP says otherwise. I've tried numerous times to get off of it with no success. I'm 59, F, and am also being treated for major depression (20mg of Viibryd daily). My other attempts at weaning off Ambien always result in rebound insomnia, chills/sweats, nausea, and headaches.
The reason I want to get off it is that my short-term memory is taking a hit, and I think Ambien is part of the cause. I've tried weaning before, by lowering the dose over time, alternating nights, etc. My psych doctor says try different weaning schedules if what I'm doing isn't working. I'm weaning off right now, I started by lowering the dose over several nights (5mg), and want to know if I should start alternating nights over the next week or so to complete the process. CBT is also part of my process and I'm working with a therapist, so that's an additional help getting through this.
I just want to try getting off it. If it turns out that I sleep better with Ambien than without, I will consider going back on it. I realize that Ambien-induced sleep is better than no sleep at all. Insomnia has been a problem for me since childhood, my siblings have the same issue. Have been tested for apnea and have no major health problems that might be causing it.
One further question. How bad are the withdrawal symptoms, and how long will they last?
Sorry for the long post. Have a great day!
That’s good you don’t have underlying medical issues. I haven’t taken it long but I have been weaning for a few months and I am finding the key is slow and steady. For me: I gave my sleep to the Lord, I bought a pill cutter and a CBT-I program. I also went to counseling at my Church for a couple of months. I started with half a pill then a quarter pill then an eighth of a pill now down to micro dosing. I am taking my time with each downgrade and if you have to restart a night or two it’s ok just go right back to the program. Do the downgrades when you feel good and there isn’t a ton of stress. And remember you can go at whatever pace you need. At each cycle you might adjust right away or you might take a week or so. Then when you are sleeping good star into the next downgrade. I sleep better with less medicine and I take a little melatonin. It is more psychological for me. Give yourself grace and take your time.
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1 ReactionAlso - I meant to say my primary Dr. suggested that if I felt withdrawals then to go slower. It would be easier if it was the pills were beaded then you could just go bead by bead.
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1 ReactionHi Jeff,
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. I have my pills cut into halves, 3/4 and smaller increments right now. Not feeling particularly stressed right now but just got my first dose of Moderna vaccine. We'll see how that sorts out. I have enough to stretch out tapering for about a week and a half. CBT does help, has your experience with it been good so far?
I can't use melatonin, any size dosage gives me horrible nightmares and night terrors. Tried Benadryl but it made me jittery. I don't want to take any other prescription sleep stuff, some people have good results with Trazadone but I tried it twice and it made me really sick.
We'll see how this goes, like I said if I can't get to a normal level of sleep (5-6 hours a night at least) I may have to go back on the Ambien. Until I started taking Ambien I would seldom ever sleep more than 5 hours a night, often 4 or less. For my entire life up until using Ambien, and I had no idea how sleep deprived I really was until the first week of a solid 7-8 hours a night!
Thanks again, have a great evening!
Lynn
@Imcoff
Hello Lynn,
I’m just curious how much melatonin you took?
Jake
I tapered off Temazepam about a year ago. Took 4 months to get off but it worked slick. Now taking Trazodone. The Temazepam was over prescribed. For a petite 78 year old lady!
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1 ReactionLynn I am sorry you have gone through all of that and totally understand. For me CBT-I was one tool. I read the material and discerned what was relevant. I still review it from time to time. I learned a lot about how the brain works. The good news is our brains are very pliable! For me my faith plays a much bigger role. Also, exercise is important but don’t overdo it. Feel good that you are taking steps to take care of yourself and you are working with Drs who know you and care about you... I had to let go and do that as well. I am at a place where if it takes months (or whatever) to get to the place you need to be so be it.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction