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← Return to Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien)
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Hi 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!
Replies to "Hi All, I'm a newbie here. :) I'm trying to wean myself off of Ambien. I..."
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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.