I was wondering if anyone takes Ambien? I'm an awful sleeper and my doctor prescribed it for me today. I'm somewhat leery of the stuff due to all the horror stories I've heard about it. Anyone have any experience with it they'd care to share?
I was wondering if anyone takes Ambien? I'm an awful sleeper and my doctor prescribed it for me today. I'm somewhat leery of the stuff due to all the horror stories I've heard about it. Anyone have any experience with it they'd care to share?
Originally Posted by BronxByTheBay
I wish I did so I'd have something to tell you, but I don't think your doctor would prescribe something for you if he/she didn't think it was okay.
I think as long as you don't abuse it, you shouldn't have any problems.
I've taken it before and have had good success although I don't typically like to take pills..for me, it was a last resort the two times I've gotten prescriptions for it - -I still have almost a full prescription in my cabinet.
I took it once for when I was having some nerve issues and nothing would take the pain away enough to sleep and I couldn't function at work..and once when I just got insomnia REALLY bad for months...I still only took a few pills each time because I was terrified of getting hooked.
Oh, and one time I took half of one, not realizing if you mess with the chemistry, it has a different effect -- I thought I'd only need half, and it made me woozy..but I didn't go to be right away and I posted "Donnie Babeball" among other things...I don't post on the Ambien anymore.
what kind of horror stories have you heard?
I probably used the wrong phrase when I said "horror stories". I guess I just meant problems if addiction or any side effects.I've taken it before and have had good success although I don't typically like to take pills..for me, it was a last resort the two times I've gotten prescriptions for it - -I still have almost a full prescription in my cabinet.
I took it once for when I was having some nerve issues and nothing would take the pain away enough to sleep and I couldn't function at work..and once when I just got insomnia REALLY bad for months...I still only took a few pills each time because I was terrified of getting hooked.
Oh, and one time I took half of one, not realizing if you mess with the chemistry, it has a different effect -- I thought I'd only need half, and it made me woozy..but I didn't go to be right away and I posted "Donnie Babeball" among other things...I don't post on the Ambien anymore.
what kind of horror stories have you heard?
I'm curious, how soon did Ambien do it's thing when you took it and how "zonked" do you get?
I have taken it and I call it my wonder drug. I used to stay awake until the middle of the night. I took one Ambien and was asleep within 30 mins. I only took it for a little while and now I sleep normally again.
The best part is there is no hangover effect from taking it. Plus, you get actual REM sleep and not a drunk sleep. It really is great. Good luck with it.
My doc tried putting me on Lunesta b/c he said one is less likely to become dependent on it (think that was just his opinion), but I didn't like the potential side effects of that either so I have just taken up red wine, and I'm loving it.
Good luck with the Ambien if you decide to take it, everyone's different, I don't think it would kill you to try it.
.
Nowadays, who knows? The way these drug companies hand out rewards to the doctors for pushing their drugs, it's very hard to be sure about that.
I don't know any natural remedies, but I would suggest looking them up and trying those first. It could be as simple as exercising during the day to make you more tired. Even if none of those work, you can try them all without risking side effects.
A lot of times just watching TV to take your mind off sleeping can help you drift off.
I go into sleeping funks every once in a while, and I find that two Tylenol PM work just fine.
It just seems like doctors are way too quick to prescribe drugs nowadays.
It might be that you just need that medication, but I would research it thoroughly first and try everything else.
I've heard some really good things about it from most people... I want to give it a try.
I think cnn.com had a story in the last week or two about people driving on Ambien. Sorry I don't have any links. There were no deaths reported in the story -- just a couple of scared people who found themselves "sleepdriving."
I'd suggest having your wife hide your car keys if/when you're taking the stuff. Not that you're going to be that .000001% suffering from that particular side effect but the story was pretty frightening.
Having said that, my Mom took it for a little while in 2002 and had no problems with that particular drug.
The only time I took it was when I had oral surgery last year. And I'll be taking it tomorrow when I get my wisdom teeth out. Deb and I were just talking about this last night -- when I took it last year, I told her exactly how to get home from the dentists office, but I don't remember ANY of it; not even the next day. It was like it just didn't happen. Very weird.
"Aw honey, you're so pretty. But you've always made decisions like an ugly girl" (US of Tara)
This was one of the side effects I've read about that seems somewhat common that doesn't thrill me. I don't mind "drifting" off to sleep, but I'm not fond of being knocked out.
I actually didn't wind up taking it last night due to going to bed too late.
I exercise 5-6 times a week, so I get plenty of that. I have a healthy diet and I don't even drink much caffeine (a diet soda here and there is about it). Believe me - I've got a prescription because I've tried everything else.
I have major bouts of insomnia. I have tried everying and I'm a walking advertisement for ambien. I absolutely love it, which sounds crazy if you've never had insomnia. Just follow the directions: make sure you have at least 8 hours for sleep, take it when you're ready to go to bed, and make sure you don't mix it with alcohol or even over the counter drugs. The only time I just conked out was when I took it after a glass of wine. I usually just drift off. Like someone else said, it's not drunk sleep, it's quality sleep and you wake up feeling awesome.
I was really anti-sleeping pills before a friend convinced me to try it. It's just like any other health problem. You need to sleep and sometimes all the home remedies in the world just won't help.
How much and how often do you take it?
A weird side effect of Ambian use: ravenous overnight feeding binges that the user can't remember the next day! I'm sure this is very, very rare:
"The sleeping pill Ambien seems to unlock a primitive desire to eat in some patients, according to emerging medical case studies that describe how the drug's users sometimes sleepwalk into their kitchens, claw through their refrigerators like animals and consume calories ranging into the thousands.
The next morning, the night eaters remember nothing about their foraging. But they wake up to find telltale clues: mouthfuls of peanut butter, Tostitos in their beds, kitchen counters overflowing with flour, missing food, and even lighted ovens and stoves. Some are so embarrassed, they delay telling anyone, even as they gain weight."
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/14/he...eep.html?8hpib
Fall down a rabbit hole: Joe Frank.com
I just went to a psychopharmacology training for my job. It was a very thorough training. The psychiatrist touched on Ambien and warned of the tendency for dependence. I'd be careful in that regard. He said that even Lunesta, which is touted as not causing a dependence, actually can cause one.
I heard about the sleep-driving and sleep-cooking on the news. I'm sure this is rare, but scary, nonetheless.
If it were me, I'd try all of the "home remedies", exercise, meditation that exist first and I mean really give them a try. You know, minimize caffeine, especially in the p.m., do soothing, peaceful activities in the evening like a warm shower or bath, perhaps following some aerobic exercise. NO POLITICAL SOAPBOX in the evening.Avoid alcohol. It might put you to sleep but actually causes restless nights. Turn off the t.v., radio before bed. A nice romp in the sack if you can get it. Maybe a nice back rub by your woman sometimes! These things should help induce restfulness and a good night's sleep.
If I gave all of these things a solid try and still was not getting results, I would, with hesitation, try Ambien or something similar, if my lack of sleep was really interfering with a normal life. Follow your doctor's direction on taking it and make sure he understands your dependency concerns.
Good luck!
"Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Mahatma Gandhi
I asked my wife about this drug, Barry. She's not heard of anything significant with it (although this is not her speciality). She had me pull this page for you:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/zolpid_ad.htm
I've used it a few times and my wife takes it regularly. At the 5 level (mg?) it's okay, at the 10 level it's lights out in 10 minutes. You have to take it and get in bed, not hang around watching TV for an hour. Also, plan on staying in bed 8 hours, otherwise forget it. It's a great drug in my opinion.
Let the kids play.
I love Ambien!!! I have no side effects the next day and get a full uninterrupted sleep. I don't take it every night, just when I need it. It's been a lifesaver!
Well, let's see . . .
You do all the healthy things and can't sleep.
I do none of the healthy things and sleep like a baby.
Maybe you need to sit in front of the TV all day with a bucket of ice cream.
F*ck it. I'm gonna go order a pizza and wash it down with a gallon of espresso. While lying in bed.
Take it. It worked for me and my girlfriend.
I have not heard any horror stories. You have been hitting the gym yes? And you still can't sleep? Cardio? That is strange.
I had to take it b/c I could not hit the gym for several weeks and was going batty. I am a very light sleeper and without training I was up all night.
My girlfriend had some rotten things happen to her and could not sleep due to stress.
We took it (split a pill a night) and it could not have worked better.
Well, I hope it works out for you. Please tell us how it went.
Shane
You guys cut a pill in half? Were you taking 10mg? I was contemplating doing just that as I don't prefer taking that big a dose.
Before I posted I tried to find the RX. I could not find it. I think it was 20mg---but I am not a doctor and don't want to give any advice unless I was sure of the mg. I could be wrong on the dosage. It was 2 years ago.
I am digging that you came and posted your concerns. I am disgusted by the pills to the gills culture we are creating. Most people gulp first and concerns later.
I wrestled with taking them. I do (did) take a massive amount of pills for several years. But they were of the weight training/ Health/ Vitamins variety. I still take Minerals, Vit's, and a host of protein powders....
But, I don't even take aspirin (unless extreme hangover) or pain pills. I have had dental work and an extensive shoulder and ankle injury and not once did I take pain medication. I still have the Oxycodone scripts, I just don't take the stuff. So I was pretty hesitant in taking any sleeping aids. From what I remember there were some narcotic based sleeping pills out in the market and no way in H was I going to take any of that garbage.
Anyway not to ramble, I caved in and took them for about 2 weeks and brother they worked. I think you will be fine.
We could consult Lou Tifoso (he's a pharmacist) but I'm almost positive it only comes in 5 and 10 mg. I also don't know if weight and size has anything to do with what dose to take. I had a strange sort of short-term insomnia that almost made me suicidal. Ambien basically saved my life.
Let the kids play.
I think we're both of the same mindset on the subject. I rarely take anything.
I guess I'll give it a try tonight and see what's up. Thanks for the advice - to everyone.
Maybe you won't be such a freak if you get some sleep.
She sits there so refined and drinks herself half blind
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
And yet they still haven't come up with anything strong enough to help with your ongoing psychotic episode.
You are probably right. I just specifically remember the Dr. telling me that is was a high dosage and many of his patients break it in half. So, maybe mine was 10 mg. That is why I ommited it out of my first post. I just can't remember what the heck it was. I split it in half and it worked very well.
Maybe BronxbtBay should do that also. Just break it in half---you can always increase the dosage.
Don't use it more often than every 2-3 days.
Make sure you're in bed when you take it (they've found people asleep on the floor next to their bed--it works so quickly.)
-Lou ~ 27 (on to 28 in 2010)
Cacciatore/Fungaiolo/Juventus FC/Go Habs/Azzurri/Giro d'Italia
Totus Tuus
I feel for anyone who has problems sleeping. The frustration is enormous. There's lots of online help and there are ways to get back to normal, but it takes time to get re-adjusted.
Let the kids play.
It is very frustrating. People really don't know how incredibly important sleep is until it eludes them. So many health/mental issues can be resolved with regular sleep.
I find those stories funny. I guess people take it and assume it's like Benedryl or something.
Incidentally, my wife when she was younger apparently took it for....THREE MONTHS STRAIGHT.
Drink a (large) glass of red wine 45 minutes before bedtime
-Lou ~ 27 (on to 28 in 2010)
Cacciatore/Fungaiolo/Juventus FC/Go Habs/Azzurri/Giro d'Italia
Totus Tuus
i took ambien a couple years ago when i was having a really stressfull time ... only took it for about a week but it really did help. i only ever had the 5mg version.
i didn't have any negative side effects.
my only suggestion is when you take it, make sure you are prepared to fall asleep. i would literally take it and then get into bed and be ready... once you start to feel sleepy, don't fight it. if you fight it and go thru that - you'll be up forever... i did that once - it sucked.
i am always very concerned with a good night sleep (getting one, that is). and i have used melatonin a lot ... have you tried that? that, at least in my experience, doesn't make you fall asleep - but gives you a more complete, deep sleep.
hope this helps and that you have a good nights sleep soon,
dawn
Knock on wood, I haven't needed to for almost a year. The longest I ever took it was six months, every night, except for a couple where my sleep was alcohol induced. I take the 5 mg pills, but I'm a girl and I don't weigh a lot.
Don't worry about taking it. It's really not that scary. For me, it was such an incredible feeling that first morning when I woke up after a full night's sleep, so fluff your pillows and enjoy.
That sounds like a side effect of another kind of medicine.
Dem ol' grimy Jets...
I have only take 1 or 2. No side effects.. The best thing I have found for a good night sleep is Nyquil!
I am sick don’t think I will get any sleep and that stuff knocks me out for 7 hours.. I could see that stuff becoming habit forming .
Nyquil is like 10% alcohol
-Lou ~ 27 (on to 28 in 2010)
Cacciatore/Fungaiolo/Juventus FC/Go Habs/Azzurri/Giro d'Italia
Totus Tuus
i dont drink... might be why it works so good for me......
did you take it yesterday? you definitely have to get yourself in a relaxed state -- if you start doing something after you take it, you can "function on it" -- like I did while I was posting -- and then you're loopy but not sleepy..you should be sleepy within 15 minutes...
also, make sure you have at least 8 hours blocked out -- if you give yourself that much time before you need to be awake, you should awaken refreshed with no side effects which is awesome.
one other thing -- if you are really against pills, a holistic MD I've gone to said to try Valerian root -- which is what they make valium from -- that helps and it's natural...good luck!
It used to have more....40%, I think...The FDA leaned on them, as it was turning into Pharmacy Thunderbird for derelicts. Really.
-Lou ~ 27 (on to 28 in 2010)
Cacciatore/Fungaiolo/Juventus FC/Go Habs/Azzurri/Giro d'Italia
Totus Tuus
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/08/bu...gewanted=print
With a tendency to stare zombie-like and run into stationary objects, a new species of impaired motorist is hitting the roads: the Ambien driver.
Ambien, the nation's best-selling prescription sleeping pill, is showing up with regularity as a factor in traffic arrests, sometimes involving drivers who later say they were sleep-driving and have no memory of taking the wheel after taking the drug.......
....
That's so hot.
maybe thats the kind i got.. i just know i felt so sick and would never get a good nights sleep. 1 shot of that and i slept like a baby ..
Anyone notice how Barry ignored my "stay away from the Political Soapbox" advice?
"Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Mahatma Gandhi
How could I have ignored it when it's only 4:49 in the afternoon my time? You did say "evening", did you not?Anyone notice how Barry ignored my "stay away from the Political Soapbox" advice?
How could I have ignored it when it's only 4:49 in the afternoon my time? You did say "evening", did you not?
It's almost 8pm over here.
I hate you.
Oh, I just mean you didn't reply to it here in this thread! Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease, so I'd be surprised to see you off the Soapbox in the evenings, you seem to enjoy it so! Although it can't be good for you!How could I have ignored it when it's only 4:49 in the afternoon my time? You did say "evening", did you not?
"Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Mahatma Gandhi
I actually don't post in there as much as of late. Only so many times I can make or read the same arguments.
Why? Does it never turn 4:49pm in Georgia?It's almost 8pm over here.
I hate you.
Just out today:
Bizarre events linked to sleeping pills in US
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060315/ts_nm/insomnia_dc
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