How did you taper off Ambien ER?

Posted by jujubean99 @jujubean99, Nov 12, 2021

Hello- I’ve been taking Ambien ER for 5 years. I would like to taper off it but cannot afford an inpatient detox.; Has anyone tried tapering off this medication while at home? ( I currently have no job or major commitments;) Is it possible to start by taking my dosage every other night? Or should I talk with my doctor about switching to Ambien CR and slowly tapering from it? Looking for guidance.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Addiction & Recovery Support Group.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Nov 13, 2021

I stopped taking Ambien all at once and it was rough. Lot sleepless nights and increased anxiety, etc... So would not suggest just stop taking.

I would check with your doctor. There are few things they might suggest including reducing dosage or frequency. He might also suggest a non-addictive sleep aid or something over the counter.

There are also non-medications sleep techniques that might help.

Here is Mayo suggestions, there are many websites with sleep suggestions:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/five-ways-sleep-soundly/art-20267152
Laurie

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 13, 2021

Hi @jujubean99, welcome. I'm glad to see the word "taper" in your message. Like @roch says, stopping abruptly zolpidem (Ambien) can be rough. I'm also bringing in additional members @justsleepplease @victorkach @degarden_girl @bernese53 and @maryshipley in the hopes that they have some tips for you. You may be interested in reading through this related discussion in the Sleep Health group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/sleep-health)

- Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weenoff-ambian-with-melatonin/

Juju, I couldn't help but notice that you posted in the addiction and recovery group. Are you wishing to taper because you feel that you've become dependent on the drug to sleep?

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