I've been on it for quite some time...I am a true insomniac.
2006-07-27 14:25:59 · 10 answers · asked by Mompoet 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Benzodiazapenes like Ambien are very difficult to manage by reducing intake gradually. Abrupt withdrawal is not usually recommended. Their best use is for a period of 10 to 14 days to regain normal sleep rhythms rather than long term use. Google "Ambien withdrawal" and "insomnia treatments without medications" for information and consult with a physician.
DrB
2006-07-27 14:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by DrB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am NO Medical expert, but I am a current on/off user of Ambien. I have found it completely necessary to wean myself off, for there are withdrawall effects. I did find that Valarian Root tea (also available in pill) eased the day's that I didn't take the Ambien. (after taking it religiously for about 3 months, I started skipping days, and not taking any on fri/sat nights. Try the tea, it helps soothe the insomnia on the days you don't take the Ambien. Good Luck! ps. There is a new non-habit forming prescription sleep aid called, Rozerem: www.rozerem.com
2006-07-27 14:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by ms 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stopping abruptly can cause symptoms similar to withdrawal from other depressant drugs -- nausea, abdominal cramps, sweating, tremors, anxiety, etc. You are also likely to spend a few pretty sleepless nights, simply because your body has adjusted to sleeping with that medication in its system, and it's going to be unsure what to do when it is no longer there.
I'd recommend talking to your doctor about this, and get a recommendation from him/her on how to safely taper off the drug. You should not suddenly stop, but instead should be slowly reducing your dose until you're all the way down to nothing.
2006-07-27 14:31:32 · answer #3 · answered by Meg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all people reacts in yet differently to a substance. there's a generalized part effect to each thing, even though it ought to or won't be the the case for you reckoning on what drugs (prescribed or OTC) which you're taking apart from the Ambien. additionally, your weight/age/race/gender could additionally clarify why your physique reacts to Ambien that way.
2016-10-08 09:53:08 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So am I.
I suggest that you will experience side effects coming off Ambien, especially not being able to sleep 'further'.
A good idea is to have tryptophan rich foods. Crushed sesame seeds or 'natural' tahini is a good source. Also see these sources:
Mushrooms, Crimini, Raw5 oz-wt31.20.0825.014.4
excellent
Cod, Pacific, Fillet, Baked, Broiled4 oz-wt119.1
0.2990.613.7excellent
Tuna, Yellowfin, Baked/Broiled4 oz-wt157.60.38
118.813.6excellent
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=103
All sleep meds are addictive and have side effects, some claim heart conditions. Best to have your doctor switch you to Trazadone (some people it helps, some people it doesn't) but it is less addictive.
2006-07-27 14:36:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have been on it for a while, you may have a problem stopping it. ambien is meant to be used on a short term basis, for 5-7 days max at a time...so if you have been on it for months, your body is no doubt used to it by now and it is like any other drug - once youy body gets used to something, it is hard to get rid of. so you may experience some withdrawal experiences, such as insomnia once you stop ambien.
2006-07-27 14:28:27 · answer #6 · answered by stascia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't have any problems coming off it and I was on ti for a year. I had to stop taking it abruptly because my insurance quit paying for it. Actually, when I came off it, I still had insomnia so I couldn't sleep, but no other side effects.
2006-07-27 14:30:12 · answer #7 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not good for your body to stop cold turkey.....what I would do if I were you and you really want to stop......start to break them in half take half for a week then take them down to a 1/4 of a pill for a week. At the same time start taking melatonin, look on line for herbs that will help you sleep. That will help you.
2006-07-27 14:30:50 · answer #8 · answered by Lindy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im afraid not. Once you are on it.. you are on it... and withdrawl is hell.... my mom is hooked on it and the DR. only gives her 14 pills at a time....she does not sleep the other 16 days of the month!
2006-07-27 14:29:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did. It was an utterly useless medicine for me. I'd sleep for MAYBE 2 hours; wake up & pop 2 more pills.
2006-07-27 14:28:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋