May 16, 2012 | Subscribe

Getting off of ambien

6 replies [Last post]

By on Fri, 06-05-09, 15:39

Hey All. I was wondering if anyone has had an luck with getting off of sleep aids? I have been taking ambien for over a year now. I have tried to sleep without it and just can't. I have so much stress at work and I try not to think about it but I just can't. If I don't sleep I am such a mess the next day. I know it is an issue because I have seen that I need more and more. I understand that this is tolerance. I have tried just quitting. I have tried replacing it with other things but nothing works. What can I do? I do not want to keep relying on this? Thanks for listening. --Ally

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By TomInKan on Fri, 06-05-09, 17:43

Getting of any rx drugs is not an easy thing. Trying to replace ambien with something else is also not the way to go....sorry. A lot of times we go and use because of factors in our life. This includes stress, work, etc. Have you tried any kind if counseling? Could be a good first step.

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By fiumer on Sat, 06-06-09, 06:43

Hi Ally:) I have been prescribed AmbienXR for about 2 years. I know what you're going through. I can try to give you some advice on sleeping better without Ambien. How much are you used to taking? I know we all build a tolerance on this stuff and it can get scary when you realize how harmful it can be. I would say, for the couple of days take what you have been used to taking and wean yourself off of it-gradually. Start with taking off 1/2 of a pill every week. Eventually you'll need nothing.

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By SteveMann on Sat, 06-06-09, 09:03

Try a juice fast! They help with withdrawal.

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By bluidkiti on Tue, 10-06-09, 10:59

Hi Ally, How are you doing today? If this is something prescribed to you by your doctor then I suggest seeing your doctor.

n/a

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By lauren_22 on Sun, 11-07-10, 18:50

I am having the same problem. :( I've been off and on taking ambien for a couple years now and lately i've had to admit to myself that i am dependent on it to sleep. I've been on it constantly now for about half a year and take it nearly every night, sometimes 2 or 3 a night. My doctor will not refill another script for me and i only have about 4 left. I told myself when i had like 10 left that i would just stop and save them for when i really need it. But i feel like i'm not even in control, and always up giving in and taking one each night cuz i give up trying to fall asleep without it. it fucking sucks.
I'm a full time student and work so sleep is precious to me and if i don't get it or don't get enough, i can't function. I've been dealing also with depression and high anxiety in my life right now which is why i think i can't sleep. I've become addicted to the way it numbs me and turns off the noise in my head for just a little bit. I am trying hard to stop taking them, i kinda don't really have another choice since i will be unable to get a refill once i am out but I'm scared.
Also I want to stop because i feel like it is making the depression and anxiety worse. lately, i've just been very fatigued, drained, moody, feeling just down in general most of the time and not having much motivation at all from day to day. also been having some suicidal thoughts lately. does anyone else who's been taking it feel this way?

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By daryllboothe on Sun, 11-07-10, 21:05

Ugh, I don't even want to admit how long I have been taking them...over 10 yr. The weird thing is I have been taking 5 mg the whole time. I dislike my need for them, but I just want to sleep. I panic when I go to the doctor because I am always afraid they will not give me another script. I have tried to not take them. I made it three days one time, but didn't sleep much. I know someday I will have to wean myself off of them, but am NOT looking forward to that night!

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