Weaning off zolpidem (Ambien)

Posted by lusia @lusia, Dec 9, 2017

taking 5mg ambian for 20 years can melatonin help to ween me off

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sleep Health Support Group.

@cindisue

Some people just have sleep issues...happens to lots of people who don't have emotional issues...it's an age thing too.....but if your doctor will give you lorazepam or flurazepam....those are the ones that work! Ambien is terrible! But Trazodone does work for some people....good luck!

Jump to this post

Thanx cindisue- I’m looking into the 2 meds you suggested- I’m glad I joined this group - don’t feel so alone - and I definitely feel for all …
I’m starting to feel my max is 5 hours of sleep !I can function on that ..but it’s not every nite - I’ve changed my pre sleep habits- no technical stuff
no tv in the bedroom. Etc etc
I had a rough time w a relationship ( torturous) in the early 90s . I was an idiot … (but more self loving now )so I started ambien around 2007 - Prescribed by a psychiatrist .. Im a happy camper now -tho I list my mom 2 yrs ago —- tuff stuff - been thru lots of therapy .. happily married - got a good life - got a dysfunctional family living in different states -
but who doesn’t -the stuff just doesn’t work … what’s wrong w this picture ???!!
I want to get off ambien… I have no qualms getting on something else however
Still testing the tranz and 2 1/2 mg of zolpidem
It’s been a month so far
- only 3 days w tranz
I pray for all of us sleepless ones !

REPLY
@fishergal5

Thanx cindisue- I’m looking into the 2 meds you suggested- I’m glad I joined this group - don’t feel so alone - and I definitely feel for all …
I’m starting to feel my max is 5 hours of sleep !I can function on that ..but it’s not every nite - I’ve changed my pre sleep habits- no technical stuff
no tv in the bedroom. Etc etc
I had a rough time w a relationship ( torturous) in the early 90s . I was an idiot … (but more self loving now )so I started ambien around 2007 - Prescribed by a psychiatrist .. Im a happy camper now -tho I list my mom 2 yrs ago —- tuff stuff - been thru lots of therapy .. happily married - got a good life - got a dysfunctional family living in different states -
but who doesn’t -the stuff just doesn’t work … what’s wrong w this picture ???!!
I want to get off ambien… I have no qualms getting on something else however
Still testing the tranz and 2 1/2 mg of zolpidem
It’s been a month so far
- only 3 days w tranz
I pray for all of us sleepless ones !

Jump to this post

fishergal5, so you're still taking Zolpidem? That's Ambien....thought you wanted to get off it? And when you say tranz....are you talking about trazodone?? Or what?

REPLY

My husband would rather I not sleep than take prescription medication. He has no idea what it’s like since he’s fast asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. I’ve weaned off all my anxiety and depression meds but am probably still dealing with the side effects and/or withdrawals. Experiencing palpitations is what keeps me from sleeping and I can hardly function anymore. Last night I gave in and took a Xanax and when that didn’t work I took Ambien and slept until 7 but awoke with a headache. Tonight I’m going to try sleeping patches for a natural approach. It got excellent reviews but not sure how effective it’ll be with anxiety and palpitations. Therapy, meditation, prayer, what else can I do to calm my severe anxiety? Do you feel like Christian Bale in The Machinist?

REPLY
@cdesharn

My husband would rather I not sleep than take prescription medication. He has no idea what it’s like since he’s fast asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. I’ve weaned off all my anxiety and depression meds but am probably still dealing with the side effects and/or withdrawals. Experiencing palpitations is what keeps me from sleeping and I can hardly function anymore. Last night I gave in and took a Xanax and when that didn’t work I took Ambien and slept until 7 but awoke with a headache. Tonight I’m going to try sleeping patches for a natural approach. It got excellent reviews but not sure how effective it’ll be with anxiety and palpitations. Therapy, meditation, prayer, what else can I do to calm my severe anxiety? Do you feel like Christian Bale in The Machinist?

Jump to this post

cdesharn, your husband is one of these people who just doesn't get it.... some of us with anxiety and problems sleeping NEED to take medication that will HELP, I emphasize HELP US! Do not feel guilty or bad for having to take these meds to Help you.... your husband is one of the lucky ones who can fall asleep just like that.... unfortunately, not all of us are so lucky. Take the meds... and take care of yourself. Anxiety and Insomnia are NO FUN, and not good for your overall health.

REPLY

Yes I agree...I rather sleep with taking the ambein then no sleep and try to function I will take the ambein and sleep and be rested to face the day...

REPLY
@cdesharn

My husband would rather I not sleep than take prescription medication. He has no idea what it’s like since he’s fast asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. I’ve weaned off all my anxiety and depression meds but am probably still dealing with the side effects and/or withdrawals. Experiencing palpitations is what keeps me from sleeping and I can hardly function anymore. Last night I gave in and took a Xanax and when that didn’t work I took Ambien and slept until 7 but awoke with a headache. Tonight I’m going to try sleeping patches for a natural approach. It got excellent reviews but not sure how effective it’ll be with anxiety and palpitations. Therapy, meditation, prayer, what else can I do to calm my severe anxiety? Do you feel like Christian Bale in The Machinist?

Jump to this post

Have you seen a sleep medicine doctor and/or sleep therapist? I am finally sleeping due to a great care team who found something that works for me.

REPLY
@aviswalton123

Hi
I have been taking Ativan for 20 or more years mostly only .5
However I got a new doctor because mine left and this new doctor will not prescribe me any more Ativan which worked for me
I have started mirtipizine against my wishes
I don’t want to gain weight or hair loss as it is a side effect..
I am curious as to how you make out on it and why you switched from Ativan to mirtipizine?
Hope you do well…

Jump to this post

Why didn't you want to start mirtazapine? It sounds like you are taking it now so can you share whether or not it's helping you sleep?

REPLY
@cdesharn

My husband would rather I not sleep than take prescription medication. He has no idea what it’s like since he’s fast asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow. I’ve weaned off all my anxiety and depression meds but am probably still dealing with the side effects and/or withdrawals. Experiencing palpitations is what keeps me from sleeping and I can hardly function anymore. Last night I gave in and took a Xanax and when that didn’t work I took Ambien and slept until 7 but awoke with a headache. Tonight I’m going to try sleeping patches for a natural approach. It got excellent reviews but not sure how effective it’ll be with anxiety and palpitations. Therapy, meditation, prayer, what else can I do to calm my severe anxiety? Do you feel like Christian Bale in The Machinist?

Jump to this post

What are the "sleep patches" you mention?

REPLY

From Amazon called Adelina sleep patches.

REPLY
@aviswalton123

Hi
I have been taking Ativan for 20 or more years mostly only .5
However I got a new doctor because mine left and this new doctor will not prescribe me any more Ativan which worked for me
I have started mirtipizine against my wishes
I don’t want to gain weight or hair loss as it is a side effect..
I am curious as to how you make out on it and why you switched from Ativan to mirtipizine?
Hope you do well…

Jump to this post

I’m doing very well with 7.5 mg of mirtazapine. Although I feel groggy in the morning, it’s worth it because I’m sleeping through the night. I wanted to get off lorazepam because it wasn’t helping me sleep and I did not want to take a benzodiazepine. Plus my doctor no longer wanted me on it, as it’s not meant to take long term.
I’m finally sleeping and it makes a difference for me! I gained a little weight but really watch what I eat. Not a problem for me.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.