Is Ambien Addiction Causing my Insomnia?

[Needsleep357]

I am 30 yrs old and have had some form of insomnia on and off for several years. I have been taking Ambien for 5 years now and take anywhere from 20-30mg, plus Lamotrigine for Depression, Ropinirole for RLS, and a few others. The Ambien does not work well for me anymore and this past month my insomnia has escalated. In addition to the RLS I have body jolts, hallucinations while I'm falling asleep, and these electrical zapping sensations throughout my body. I have been under a great deal of stress lately, and am trying to figure out if it's the stress that is making my insomnia worse/creating new symptoms, or if it's the medication, or a combination of both. I am seeking a new psychiatrist, and have an appt. to get a sleep study done in 1 month. But, in the mean time I have to figure out what is causing this because I am getting really sick from lack of sleep. I want to eventually get off the Ambien, but I don't know if this is the right time since I'm already not sleeping well. Has anyone experienced these symptoms or does anyone else have an addiction to Ambien? I would appreciate any feedback.

[Needsleep357]

Thank you so much for your post. I have started decreasing my dosage of Ambien and hopefully that will work soon.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Your symptoms of insomnia could be due to Ambien. Ambien is only meant to be used for short term use which often results in worsening of insomnia (sometimes worse than it ever was) when trying to come off the medication.  Discuss your symptoms with your consulting doctor he may change the dose or the medications.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.