17 y.o. going crazy from ambien addiction

[adctd2ambien]

I'm only 17 years old and am 7 days away from high school graduation.  I've maintained a pretty good life so far, however I have ADD and sleep disorder.  I was first perscribed to Concerta for the ADD in 6th grade, which did make my sleep disorder worse.  In 8th grade, I was switched to the more powerful ADD medication, Adderall.  By that time, my insomnia problems were terrible.  My doctor then tried me on Ambien 5MG, which worked wonders and I could finally sleep.  Over time, I became very tolerant to the Ambien (and Adderall).  I would take the one pill I was supposed to take then cut another pill into pieces and take about 1 and 1/4.  Then it moved on to 1 and 1/2 and so on.  I was afraid to tell anyone, including my parents, that I was taking more than I should.  However, I ended up telling my doctor that 5's weren't enough for me anymore, so I was put on to 10's.  They helped at first, but the tolerance built again...  I did the same thing but I got up to where I was taking 2 pills a night.  I could do this because I had refills available on the script so I would go to the pharmacy and ask for my refills.  Just about four weeks ago, I ran out of my last refilled bottle.  I called the doctor to ask for another script but they said I should have enough to cover me until July 1st.  Now I'm going crazy and I'm having bad withdrawals....  I want off this stuff but now I can't sleep before my finals, and its going to kill me not to sleep.  I'd like to hear advice, similar stories of ambien addiction, and so on.  And I'd also like to see what I should do.  My parents do know I have the problem because I told them yesterday and they are going to take me to my doctor tomorrow, but I would just like to know what to do from people who know how/what I feel.  Thanks... JOHN B

[adctd2ambien]

i meant to say i ran out of my last refill four DAYS ago*****

[oxysbliss]

First off....Welcome! Second off, wow.....remember to take a breather here and there....You have such a full plate...and being so young....
Third, Im glad you found this site..and your reaching out! Its great to see people even so young to realize that not all medications are good..and see the reality of them....what you are feeling now is a reality of pills such as these....

I dont know alot about Addedal or however you spell it.........Im an oxy recovering junkie.............and still struggle with having to take my medication.....however thats a different story

Well.....You will find alot of people on here..That have done a taper which is a huge committment....and others that go cold turkey! No matter how you cut it ..both of them, in my opinion have their pros and cons......to be able to fight that urge to have to have a pill...to coming out of the haze and so on....its alot on someones plate

If you are going to your doctor tomorrow..I would suggest you get another script..and ask for a taper...however a slow one.....going to fast in my opinion does more harm then good, yet again it depends on the person! You are goign to need sleep and such threw your finals...thats why I recommend somehow another script....it will be too tough just like that...and studying and such.....My prayers are with you...

Second there is a Recipe call the Thomas Recipie.....which is awesome in my opinion....and works well...One thing I have noticed that a proper balanced diet...to go along with teh chnages is very important..it helps replace what our bodies have lost while taking pills............Alot of Green teas...even the pill that has caffine in it though....but it helped me alot..and still does for the energy! Alot of water intake.......and juices....such things....

You may find yourself craving alot of sugar.......some often do...and sleepless nights...so you should mention that to your doctor..its one of the biggest wds I have read and experienced....I too suffer from a sleep disorder....and it really sucks.......however, Im a pothead....and that puts me to sleep more often then none...........

I think Im out of words to say, I may have forgotten some things...but there is tons of others that would comment with suggestions too....Best of luck to you and if you ever need anything more around here..support...advice whatevr..you can find it here!!
Good Luck to you..my prayers are with you!!

C

[emilyanne]

17 years old and mature enough to realize and admit you have a problem...good for you!! You have your whole life ahead of you! If you quit now, it'll be the best and most important thing you've ever done in your whole 17 years! If you don't quit, it will get worse. While I have never tried Ambien, this is what I would do, especially since you are about to go through finals.....tomorrow at your dr. appt, spill your heart out. They can't help you unless you are completely honest. Tell him that you think you are addicted, you've already gone through your whole prescription even though it's way too soon for a refill, and explain that you can't do well on your finals while going through withdrawals. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: TELL HIM THAT IF HE GIVES YOU A SMALL REFILL JUST TO WEAN YOU AND GET YOU THROUGH FINALS, YOU ARE NOT ASKING FOR IT TO ABUSE IT, BUT THAT YOU ARE SCARED THAT YOU WILL DO POORLY ON YOUR FINALS!!
I can't even believe that you are only 17 and have the good senses to realize you have a problem and ask for help. I will be on and off all night...also, a recomendation: there are over the counter sleep meds that may help you get through tonight, but I am not a doctor, don't know your med conditions, and am not sure if it's responsible of me to suggest taking even MORE meds...but I know finals are super important! Keep me posted!