How can I get off ambien and still sleep

Posted by sashaabrams @sashaabrams, Dec 24, 2023

I am a 63 year old woman very recently widowed. I have had insomnia my whole life. Since childhood. I have been on and off ambien for many years. The past 6 years I have been taking it continuously. When I don’t sleep I feel sick with flu like symptoms. Lately, I have am experiencing cognitive issues. Confusion, clumsiness, forgetfulness, etc…my doctor doesn’t seem to be worried. I read that these signs of dementia are reversible if I stop the drug. But how can I sleep without it? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Sasha

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kawanhee | @kawanhee | Dec 25, 2023

I highly recommend your seeing a sleep medicine doctor. They are many alternatives to Ambien.
Finally found a safe med that works for me.
Good luck!

martyk | @martyk | Dec 25, 2023

Hi Sasha, what dose have you been taking?

sashaabrams | @sashaabrams | Dec 25, 2023

10 mg or a 12.5 tartrate.

dustycat52 | @dustycat52 | Dec 25, 2023

In reply to @sashaabrams "10 mg or a 12.5 tartrate." + (show)

Isn’t that Zolpidem?

sashaabrams | @sashaabrams | Dec 25, 2023

Yes

jlduck | @jlduck | Dec 25, 2023

My doctor said I should go on Lunesta. I said, “Oh, I’ve tried that and it did nothing at all.” I’m a very light sleeper and have had bad insomnia for 25 years. He said, try a 3 mg dose and you will see. That was two years ago, and he was right. It’s a maximum dose and helps me sleep well. I very, very highly recommend it, to get off ambien or benzos.