Connect
Zolpidem weaning
I have been on zolpidem (5MG) for over 20 years. I was prescribed it to help me sleep through chronic neuropathy pain. It works - gives me 5-6 hours sleep, sadly though my neuropathy pain is getting worse as I age. I am 75 years, and I do feel zolpidem makes me lethargic next day, which apparently I didn’t notice when I was full time working, and so busy during the day, plus my neuropathy has worsened over the last five years. I figure I won’t know if I don’t try to wean off if the lethargic , tired, just want to sleep feeling will go away. Possibly all aging and the result of dealing with chronic pain. Any natural or holistic approaches to better sleep? Melatonin - open to suggestions and comments. I would like to have a plan, an alternative aid before I attempt this. Thank you.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sleep Health Support Group.
Connect
@lizjlb are you not sleeping due to your neuropathy pain? It’s the neuropathy pain that used to keep me awake, so that was the reason I started Ambien/zolpidem years ago. It works for me - gives me 5-7 hours sleep.
@laura1970 Nope. I used to take Ambien CR split in half along with Trazodone and they worked beautifully. Now I take Seroquel with my Trazodone. My needs have changed, hence the Seroquel. My psych said Trazodone benefits sleep architecture.
Trazodone is a godsend for me.
According to my psych, Trazodone improves sleep architecture.
@blueskies1530 from what I’ve read trazadone decreases rem sleep which may be beneficial if you have depression, which is often associated with long rem times. Trazadone has had many studies done demonstrating better sleep efficacy
@laura1970 Thank you for the article. Yes, Trazodone has often increased my sleep time as your link says and often led to me remembering my dreams. Overall, it makes me feel more rested. I'm currently recovering from a total hysterectomy so I'm not sleeping as much but HRT helps some.