Just discovered problems with Ambien.

[Soonerdean]

At day 19 I thought I would be completely finished with these xanax wd's but they keep coming and coming.  Late last night I watched a commercial about Lunesta and they mentioned that a common side effect was new or worsening depression.  That caught my attention so I began to frantically research Ambien and every article I've read lists new or worssening depression as a common side effect.  I've been taking Ambien off & on for the past 2 years..usually only 1/2 a tablet.  I can now see a correlation between times I've been taking ambien and an increase in my depression and I'm certain that Ambien has lengthened my detox time from Xanax.  

Just now...out of nowhere....my heart begain to beat as though it would come out of my chest.  Me ears started to ring and I began to instantly sweat.  What shocks me is how quickly this came on and caught me completely by surprise.  I reazlie this is apart of the detox process and probable due to an ambien side effect.  

[Rich99]

Nervous system depressants are like pushing down a spring with your finger.   When you move your finger,  the sping pops back up.    Thats whats happening with your nervous system.    Depressants push them down like a spring but your brain is fighting that spring trying to get back to normal again so your nervous system will often speed up.

[Soonerdean]

That is EXACTLY what has happened to me.  As I look back I can see when I began to have panic attacks.  At that time the only thing I was taking was ambien because I went to the doctor complaining of insomnia.  At first it worked like a charm with no side effects on me and slowly but surely these panic attacks began to increase in frequency and duration.  So back to the doctor for more meds to help with the panic and so the cycle began.  I sure wish I had known about this before.

Right now I'm having a panic attack that came out of nowhere.  Heart palpitations, sweating....it's crazy.

[ricart70]

I read an article about a guy who was not using anything else and had no mental issues but after taking ambien for a prolonged period began to have panic attacks and agoraphobia.It was getting in the way of his whole daily existence.I took ambien from the 3rd through the 10th  night of my withdrawal form oxy and I don't think it did much for my recovery curve.Great job on the nineteen days

[ImDONENoMore]

Yeah that's why sleeping meds are rarely recommended here - they come with their own set of problems as well.  Stop taking it and it should get better.

You may have a few restless nights after you stop taking it but it will be worth it to sleep naturally again.  I found the sleep I got on the pills was never real sleep - at least not like the sleep I have now.  Huge difference.

Good luck to you!  :) (and btw congrats on the 19 days!!)