Ambien - sedative/anti-anxiety/pain

I am taking 0.5 to 1.0 mg of Ambien for sedation of CNS to reduce chronic anxiety.

A major part of the symptoms I am aiming at is abdominal irritation (gastritis), mal absorption, constipation ... for 30+ years now. The Ambien has reduced to eliminate the abdominal distress and my stool is looking healthier. Note I am in the process of getting test for H. Pylori.

I am getting feed back that Ambien does not act as a painkiller so am of the mind that I am on the right track that anxiety is the underlying problem with my stomach.

Will you direct me to a source that reports on sedatives and anti-anxiety pharmaceuticals so I can approach a psycho pharmacologist with some information in my pocket?

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OVERALL CONDITION:

Best understanding is that my biochemical system has been bent by extended childhood emotional trauma (stress) and biochemical homeostasis is set at a freeze (high anxiety) level.

I have gotten here with over a decade of introspective work and meditation. Where I landed was that my stomach keeps telling my head that "something is wrong." It (my stomach) is upset and irritated causing a range of other problems that stress my system.

My self-care knowledge is hampered by anxiety and the anxiety is not going to change without more substantive life style modifications. After 13+ years of rigorous emotional house cleaning, I'm 'dying' faster than I'm improving so I want some chemical support. I was using nicotine but it is very addictive (I was limited to 4 packs per YEAR), short duration, and made my stomach feel worse. Alcohol has similar and additional problems.

I am currently looking for a psycho pharmacologist that will assist with a targeted short duration anti-anxiety medication and not just shove 24/7 medication at me.

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REASON FOR QUESTION:

My last attempt with a GP at getting a mild sedative (I had not distinguished between anti-anxiety and sedation and was not educated at the time) did not get anywhere. I was able to get Ambien for insomnia (a sedative!).

I took .05 - 1.0 mg Ambien to see if it would act as a short duration "chill pill" (like a cigarette, but longer lasting and without making my stomach sicker) to help me manage my bodies responses to things that I consciously know are not dangerous.

I find the irritation (tenderness) in my stomach is gone and I can feel hunger pains again (as separate from the normal irritation).

[greenlydia]

Ambien is a fine sleep aid and is non-addictive, but with most OTC medications taken on a daily basis, you eventually build up a tolerence and it will lose its efficacy. Ambien will do NOTHING to help with your anxiety issues. (Unless you want to count the hours it makes you sleep as "anxiety free time") It is also NOT a painkiller, so whatever your gastrointestinal issues are, the Ambien is NOT a factor in either increasing or decreasing those symptoms.
I'm not sure what kind of information you're looking for regarding sedatives and antianxiety medication. If you want general information on what's out there, any web site NOT sponsored by a pharmaceutical company will give you adequate info. If your looking for something "meatier," like comparative reports, I would suggest a trip to the reference section of your library. (Yes, I said the "L" word!) But you can no doubt find that on the Net as well. I just don't happen to know of any specific sites to send you to. A PDR will give you the exact information your doctor uses to prescribe meds for you.
I am hoping that you are seeing a gastroenterologist for your stomach problems. If not, I would humbly suggest your GP recommend one. Since your stomach keeps "telling" your head that something is wrong, it's your stomach that needs a good vetting.
Have you actually been diagnosed with anxiety? Or have you relied on your "introspective work and meditation" to reach certain conclusions?
Alcohol and nicotine are infrequently prescribed for anxiety related issues and I'm glad you discovered their drawbacks.
In my humble and non-medical opinion, I would suggest you see your doctor for a very extensive physical which will hopefully include a visit to the Endoscopy Lap to rule out serious problems with your stomach. Then I would seek out the help of a good therapist, preferrably a psychiatrist/psychologist who can prescribe medications and discuss these issues with him/her.
If you are looking for "chill pills," there are definite reasons you feel you need them. But pills are not the answer. Yes, they will make you feel better, but until, and unless, you get to the root cause of your anxiety, you will only be masking the real problem.  
I wish you luck on your search and know that we are always here to lend support.
Peace
Greenlydia