robbinr
@robbinr
@robbinr
Posts: 108
Joined: Mar 21, 2016
@arachel Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don’t debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my “addiction”. I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.
I’m up to 10 mg. I also supplement the Ambien with a couple of other “sleep inducing” drugs because it doesn’t work like it used to, but without it, I cannot get to sleep at all! It is kind of a chemical soup right now, but I am getting at least 5 hours a night. RR
Liked by arachel
Gary, Alumna Mentor
@gman007
@gman007
Posts: 470
Joined: May 18, 2016
@arachel Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don’t debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my “addiction”. I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.
Please do give us an update. I am particularly interested in his view of “addiction” to Ambien and any danger it poses. Good luck with your visit.
Gary, Alumna Mentor
@gman007
@gman007
Posts: 470
Joined: May 18, 2016
@bernese53 Hi,
I have been taken Ambien since Sept. 2001. Like many of us, I had problems falling asleep after the events of 9/11. I have struggled with insomnia for most of my adult life. Initially, I was taking 5 mg of Ambien as needed but after a few years, I was prescribed 10 mg which I have been taking every night for the last ten years. I saw both a neurologist and a sleep specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for an episode of Transient Global Amnesia (not related to Ambien use). Both were concerned about the DOSE of Ambien but not its frequency; the FDA has recommended a dose of less than 10 mg for women. Not one of my many doctors has suggested stopping the Ambien entirely. I also take Effexor and Wellbutrin for chronic depression; both enable me to get out of bed in the morning and live a relatively normal life.
Best of luck,
Helen
I have had that thought twice in my adult life about my anti anxiety medication. Let’s just say I am lucky to still be happily married to the same woman after being dumb enough to attempt something a second time that turned out so poorly the first. I am definitely a person who lives better through chemistry, as well as those who love me and would prefer that I stay at least slightly lovable.
REPLY
georgette12
@georgette12
@georgette12
Posts: 230
Joined: Jan 10, 2017
what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He is less concerned with “addiction”. i take 10 mg of ambien at night. in terms of addiction…for any med, this is what i finally decided. excuse me, world. i need help and i will no longer suffer if there is a chemical or even non-chemical, something that works. i don’t nag smokers, drinkers, over-eaters, workaholics and exercise-aholics. all of which change the chemistry and biochemistry in one’s body/brain/emotions.
Liked by Jen, Volunteer Mentor, Gary, Alumna Mentor, Parus
Parus
@parus
@parus
Posts: 2280
Joined: Jul 14, 2017
@georgette12 what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He is less concerned with “addiction”. i take 10 mg of ambien at night. in terms of addiction…for any med, this is what i finally decided. excuse me, world. i need help and i will no longer suffer if there is a chemical or even non-chemical, something that works. i don’t nag smokers, drinkers, over-eaters, workaholics and exercise-aholics. all of which change the chemistry and biochemistry in one’s body/brain/emotions.
I like how you think. I use Melatonin which is more effective than prescription drugs. I avoid doctors as much as possible as they “are” trained to prescribe.
terryb1
@128128terry11t
@128128terry11t
Posts: 206
Joined: Jan 07, 2017
@arachel Thank you so much for your comments. Up until recently, I have been content with my dependence on ambien. Before I started taking it, I would literally be dragging my butt through the day just looking forward to bed time. Ambien has indeed changed my quality of life and I don’t debate that. But my family has been on me to quit and have convinced me that I am in denial about my “addiction”. I have never read about anyone who does take ambien every day but would love some positive feedback from those who do. It might help me get over my issues. Again, thank you. I am going to rethink this decision.
People are well meaning but can be inadvertently cruel with their comments. Ideally our bodies should be able to function without any drugs BUT we know that the vast majority of people need medication to help them be truly themselves — the best that they can be. Would anyone say to a person who needs insulin that he or she is addicted to it and must stop? Would they say that to a person who is taking heart medication? Of course not. Being able to get the necessary sleep helps us to function better and to be “our best”. We are fortunate if we are helped by medication; there are many who are not. I just moved from New York City where I know so many people who take ambien or other sleep aids and have done so for decades. Their internists, psychiatrists, and neurologists are the ones prescribing it for them. I take alprazolam and without it, I would be spending many sleepless nights. So what if one has to take medication to help with brain chemistry, emotional stability, sleep assistance or any other physical, mental, or emotional reason. Be grateful that these drugs work for you. Please don’t let other people’s words put you on a journey that may cause torment. Whether you are on these drugs or not, please always check with a trusted specialist as to what course is in your best interest. Terry
Liked by bernese53, Lisa Lucier, Connect Moderator, arachel, peabody88
robbinr
@robbinr
@robbinr
Posts: 108
Joined: Mar 21, 2016
donga
@donga
@donga
Posts: 2
Joined: Feb 05, 2018
@robbinr I Tried Melatonin and it was fine for one night. Slept well. Next night – Horrible nightmares! I recently found an herbal formula with just a pinch of Melatonin and it has been helping tremendously. But like anything else, you can get too much Melatonin for your body to process. RR
Are you willing to share what the herbal formula is that is currently helping you?
Gary, Alumna Mentor
@gman007
@gman007
Posts: 470
Joined: May 18, 2016
@georgette12 what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He is less concerned with “addiction”. i take 10 mg of ambien at night. in terms of addiction…for any med, this is what i finally decided. excuse me, world. i need help and i will no longer suffer if there is a chemical or even non-chemical, something that works. i don’t nag smokers, drinkers, over-eaters, workaholics and exercise-aholics. all of which change the chemistry and biochemistry in one’s body/brain/emotions.
Some excellent points Georgette! I made a commitment to myself that when I quit drinking and smoking that I would not make an effort to tell everyone I saw doing either what great harm they were doing to their bodies and that they could quit if they really wanted. Life choices must be made by everyone for their life and it is not our place to judge, but I will offer support if anyone asks because they are attempting to make a lifestyle change. I think your making a choice that is best for you and your health, regardless of what anyone else thinks, is admirable.
REPLY
Lisa Lucier, Connect Moderator
@lisalucier
@lisalucier
Posts: 3108
Joined: May 10, 2017
@robbinr I Tried Melatonin and it was fine for one night. Slept well. Next night – Horrible nightmares! I recently found an herbal formula with just a pinch of Melatonin and it has been helping tremendously. But like anything else, you can get too much Melatonin for your body to process. RR
Hi, @ robbinr — wondering how things are going for you, especially with your sleep? I think @donga was interested in the herbal formula you found helpful. Are you still taking it?
robbinr
@robbinr
@robbinr
Posts: 108
Joined: Mar 21, 2016
@bernese53 Hi,
I have been taken Ambien since Sept. 2001. Like many of us, I had problems falling asleep after the events of 9/11. I have struggled with insomnia for most of my adult life. Initially, I was taking 5 mg of Ambien as needed but after a few years, I was prescribed 10 mg which I have been taking every night for the last ten years. I saw both a neurologist and a sleep specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for an episode of Transient Global Amnesia (not related to Ambien use). Both were concerned about the DOSE of Ambien but not its frequency; the FDA has recommended a dose of less than 10 mg for women. Not one of my many doctors has suggested stopping the Ambien entirely. I also take Effexor and Wellbutrin for chronic depression; both enable me to get out of bed in the morning and live a relatively normal life.
Best of luck,
Helen
Hi, I have been taking Ambien since 1995. I also take Cymbalta and Wellbutrin. My Dr. doesn't want to prescribe Ambien for me anymore and while I have signed up for a Sleep Study and some CBT to get more information about my sleep, the thought of not having Ambien to ensure a few hours sleep makes me panicky. Is this some new trend with Drs to not prescribe drugs that are proven to be effective? Is this part of the Opioid witch hunt? Very Frustrated. RR
robbinr
@robbinr
@robbinr
Posts: 108
Joined: Mar 21, 2016
@georgette12 what a great discussion! my psych dr. continually tells me that RESTORATIVE sleep is vital. He is less concerned with “addiction”. i take 10 mg of ambien at night. in terms of addiction…for any med, this is what i finally decided. excuse me, world. i need help and i will no longer suffer if there is a chemical or even non-chemical, something that works. i don’t nag smokers, drinkers, over-eaters, workaholics and exercise-aholics. all of which change the chemistry and biochemistry in one’s body/brain/emotions.
Amen to that! I am in the club of "IF IT HELPS – TAKE IT". So true that all the aforementioned habits (smoking, drinking, over-eating, over-working/exercising) are just another branch of the "How I cope with Life" cycle. I try Melatonin occasionally, and get wicked, frightening dreams with it. Even a little bit of Melotonin..Ack! R
REPLY
robbinr
@robbinr
@robbinr
Posts: 108
Joined: Mar 21, 2016
@robbinr I Tried Melatonin and it was fine for one night. Slept well. Next night – Horrible nightmares! I recently found an herbal formula with just a pinch of Melatonin and it has been helping tremendously. But like anything else, you can get too much Melatonin for your body to process. RR
Sleep Wave by Nutri-Health. It's got lots of "sleep aid" stuff. I think it helps, but I'm not willing to go without having Ambien on hand.R
@arachel
In reply to @arachel
It’s good to know that others have no qualms about continuing on Ambien. Have you had to increase your dosage at all during that time? I’m always afraid I’ll build up a resistance to the drug and it will stop working.