Anyone quit using Ambien CR??

I've been using Ambien CR the last few weeks to help with sleep during WD;s. Ready to come off now. Anyone quit using this? How? I know it's a timed release med, but does it need to be tapered? Thanks for any help!!

[sterling_silver]

I don't know if this will help,but this was my experience with Ambien. Two years ago,before I found pain meds,I asked my doctor if he could give me something to sleep.He gave me a script for 21 and said don't take them every night.I slept like a baby and made them last about a month.When I asked for another script, he said forget it.If you keep taking these you will always need more and more to sleep.Then you will need help to get off them and you will never sleep. I didn't have any withdrawals at all except as expected, I could not sleep for awhile.My sleep habits slowly got back to normal for me.This seems like a good time for you to stop them.

[FLaddict]

Maybe switch to Lunesta??? they are available in 3 different doses so you could taper down.. I am not sure... I know K-Todd had a heck of a time coming off of Ambien but I don't know how long he has been using it... Try switching to the L-theanine at night I take mine with Calcium/Magnesium the guy at GNC said it was great combo for sleep..

[GA Guy]

Thanks for the help. I have 5 left from a 5 week script and I'm gonna try stopping tonight. I read a few horror stories about people quitting on the internet. But, someone told me once that people never post about good experiences, just the bad ones. I'm hoping for no WD symptoms. Thanks for the advice!!

[FLaddict]

I am told that even just "resting" is better than no sleep at all.. so get what you can... it will balance out..
I will be thinking of you and hoping you pull through the insomnia

[GA Guy]

I have a couple of Lunesta, I think I'll try those for 2 days and then stop everything. I did get the l-theanine. Been taking it the last couple of days. Seems to help some with the general anxiety. I sometimes think that the fear of not sleeping is worse than the act of not sleeping. Oh well, maybe I can get some writing done...

[GA Guy]

Thanks!! How's the pain coming? I saw where you missed your chiro appointment yesterday because of rain. I am also a big believer in the power of the chiropractor. I still prefer the old manipulative method they used instead of the new "Pro Adjuster" thing he uses now.

[FLaddict]

Still not great... I am using lots of ice and I go tommorrow morning to see him.. He is old school.. They also include a 10 min massage when you get adjusted..  I also have a appt with a non surgical spine specialist next week..  hopefully he has some ideas... I am too young to just give up on living life..

[wickedwanderer]

Aaah!!! Lunesta...poop.  It did nothing for me, but it probably works differently on others.

My psych put me on trazadone for sleeping...it's AMAZING.  I don't wake up at all during the night and any pain I'm in when I go to bed doesn't bother me because I fall asleep pretty quick....There's been a few nights when I haven't taken it though, and I don't sleep at all...so I'm thinking I might be liking this med too much...