I also would like to stop taking Zolpidem. I have taken it for several years. I have sleep apnea and diagnosed with insomnia. I worked with my dr at the time to deal with my insomnia without meds but nothing worked. I am now 68 and retired so I have time to really deal with this…is it even possible? One you have insomnia does it go away? Thank you
I also would like to stop taking Zolpidem. I have taken it for several years. I have sleep apnea and diagnosed with insomnia. I worked with my dr at the time to deal with my insomnia without meds but nothing worked. I am now 68 and retired so I have time to really deal with this…is it even possible? One you have insomnia does it go away? Thank you
We have similar stories. I almost cracked a tooth, suppressing my urge to curse, when a nurse one time told me "If you get tired enough, you'll sleep". I will recommend that you ask your doctor to prescribe Belsomra, starting at a low dose. It works differently than Ambien and other hypnotics, which are dangerous, I don't want to take ANY sleeping pill, but it's better than the alternative - not sleeping. You might also consider an apnea study.
Sorry to hear that. You obviously don't have problems with a "busy" brain when you go to bed. I would also suggest using a device to listen to Super Deep Brown Noise. Alexa can do this for you if you don't sleep with someone that this would disturb. The AcousticSheep headbands might also help. I use the wired one, hooked up to a device that broadcasts an MP3 recording of the brown noise.
I've been taking 10 mg of Ambien nightly for 15 years, for chronic insomnia initially triggered by a painful divorce. As I don't like feeling dependent on it, I've tried many other things to address the insomnia in other ways and get off of Ambien. This includes acupuncture, mediitation, massage, hypnosis, sleep restriction, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. Working with a psychologist I tried CBT yet again, last summer, and was able to reduce my dosage. But as soon as I encountered stressful life situations, the dosage crept back up to 10 mg. Recently, I had to change GP docs and the new doc just informed me out of the blue that she would not prescribe over 5 mg/night because it is considered "off label," effective immediately. As I'm used to the idea of tapering off gradually (still difficult), I was stunned that she made the change so abruptly. I asked her for a more gradual change and she made a very small (not sufficient) in the prescription. I'm really frustrated with this doc who seems to be unaware that for some people, it's either take Ambien or have a much lower quality of life without adequate sleep. Also, it seems that patients who benefit from Ambien when nothing else works, are penalized because it is a drug that can be abused. I have a 15-year record of responsible use and efforts to find alternatives, and still I feel I'm penalized because it's a controlled substance. I'm not sure how I'll deal with this situation but it may involve looking for another doc who is more knowledgeable and open-minded. I've had 2 GPs in the past who have prescribed the 10 mg, based on my history. With the FDA now advising only 5 mg for women and anyone over 65 (I'm a 67-year-old woman), I'm wondering if this is happening to others and/or will, in the future.
I've been taking 10 mg of Ambien nightly for 15 years, for chronic insomnia initially triggered by a painful divorce. As I don't like feeling dependent on it, I've tried many other things to address the insomnia in other ways and get off of Ambien. This includes acupuncture, mediitation, massage, hypnosis, sleep restriction, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. Working with a psychologist I tried CBT yet again, last summer, and was able to reduce my dosage. But as soon as I encountered stressful life situations, the dosage crept back up to 10 mg. Recently, I had to change GP docs and the new doc just informed me out of the blue that she would not prescribe over 5 mg/night because it is considered "off label," effective immediately. As I'm used to the idea of tapering off gradually (still difficult), I was stunned that she made the change so abruptly. I asked her for a more gradual change and she made a very small (not sufficient) in the prescription. I'm really frustrated with this doc who seems to be unaware that for some people, it's either take Ambien or have a much lower quality of life without adequate sleep. Also, it seems that patients who benefit from Ambien when nothing else works, are penalized because it is a drug that can be abused. I have a 15-year record of responsible use and efforts to find alternatives, and still I feel I'm penalized because it's a controlled substance. I'm not sure how I'll deal with this situation but it may involve looking for another doc who is more knowledgeable and open-minded. I've had 2 GPs in the past who have prescribed the 10 mg, based on my history. With the FDA now advising only 5 mg for women and anyone over 65 (I'm a 67-year-old woman), I'm wondering if this is happening to others and/or will, in the future.
I’ve had the same problem over the years. My current doctor is very understanding but I worry that when he retires no one will prescribe it. I’ve also tried many different ways to deal with insomnia and none have worked.
I’ve had the same problem over the years. My current doctor is very understanding but I worry that when he retires no one will prescribe it. I’ve also tried many different ways to deal with insomnia and none have worked.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
I also would like to stop taking Zolpidem. I have taken it for several years. I have sleep apnea and diagnosed with insomnia. I worked with my dr at the time to deal with my insomnia without meds but nothing worked. I am now 68 and retired so I have time to really deal with this…is it even possible? One you have insomnia does it go away? Thank you
I tried this when I retired but still couldn’t sleep.
Dustycat, what has helped with your sleep?
Really, nothing has helped. I have tried so many different things and I still don’t get much sleep. It’s very frustrating.
We have similar stories. I almost cracked a tooth, suppressing my urge to curse, when a nurse one time told me "If you get tired enough, you'll sleep". I will recommend that you ask your doctor to prescribe Belsomra, starting at a low dose. It works differently than Ambien and other hypnotics, which are dangerous, I don't want to take ANY sleeping pill, but it's better than the alternative - not sleeping. You might also consider an apnea study.
I tried belsoma but didn’t sleep.
Sorry to hear that. You obviously don't have problems with a "busy" brain when you go to bed. I would also suggest using a device to listen to Super Deep Brown Noise. Alexa can do this for you if you don't sleep with someone that this would disturb. The AcousticSheep headbands might also help. I use the wired one, hooked up to a device that broadcasts an MP3 recording of the brown noise.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI've been taking 10 mg of Ambien nightly for 15 years, for chronic insomnia initially triggered by a painful divorce. As I don't like feeling dependent on it, I've tried many other things to address the insomnia in other ways and get off of Ambien. This includes acupuncture, mediitation, massage, hypnosis, sleep restriction, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. Working with a psychologist I tried CBT yet again, last summer, and was able to reduce my dosage. But as soon as I encountered stressful life situations, the dosage crept back up to 10 mg. Recently, I had to change GP docs and the new doc just informed me out of the blue that she would not prescribe over 5 mg/night because it is considered "off label," effective immediately. As I'm used to the idea of tapering off gradually (still difficult), I was stunned that she made the change so abruptly. I asked her for a more gradual change and she made a very small (not sufficient) in the prescription. I'm really frustrated with this doc who seems to be unaware that for some people, it's either take Ambien or have a much lower quality of life without adequate sleep. Also, it seems that patients who benefit from Ambien when nothing else works, are penalized because it is a drug that can be abused. I have a 15-year record of responsible use and efforts to find alternatives, and still I feel I'm penalized because it's a controlled substance. I'm not sure how I'll deal with this situation but it may involve looking for another doc who is more knowledgeable and open-minded. I've had 2 GPs in the past who have prescribed the 10 mg, based on my history. With the FDA now advising only 5 mg for women and anyone over 65 (I'm a 67-year-old woman), I'm wondering if this is happening to others and/or will, in the future.
I’ve had the same problem over the years. My current doctor is very understanding but I worry that when he retires no one will prescribe it. I’ve also tried many different ways to deal with insomnia and none have worked.
Thank you, dustycat. My current GP seems completely closed on this issue. Any suggestions on how to address it with potential new GPs?