Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

ambien

Everyone keeps telling me you need rehab to get off ambien is this true?? I have been on it for 2 years on and off.  I have trying to cut my dose.  Can anyone give me the side effects of discontinuation ?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
What Dr_S said is right but hear me out 1st .

- I was on ambien I suffer from anxiety and insomnia among other things

- curious why you're getting off ambien ( no reason other than curious )

- You will have a withdrawal of some type  

- Not all withdrawal symptoms will be like what you may think ( puking or any pain)

- Some things will just be fatigue , nausea  nothing you won't make it threw with benadryl occasionally

-  You do not need rehab as a matter of fact you can just take a benzo ( do not take for a long period or this will be the next thing you're worried about withdrawal from )

- I know xanax valium and klonopin all can work in place of ambien  so can benadryl (better off with benadryl if you can but having  a backup plan doesn't hurt)

If I were you I would stop taking ambien as often as possible if you're still on it , do not consider rehab if you cannot afford it  you'll survive  I can say this I had some odd problems but I didn't even realize it was withdrawal until I thought about it ( like loss of appetite for a few days , minor headaches that advil can help at worst )  .

Now results vary in withdrawal I might of suffered more than you would even so I wouldn't consider rehab yet , if you feel after you stop ambien that you need it and cannot live without it then I suggest you hop into rehab b/c that's a drug addict (not your fault)  .

Also if you can update me on how this all turns out for you whether you go to rehab or not b/c I still haven't felt right since I got off ambien over a year ago and it can be anything but I'm thinking I may be mentally addicted to ambien if you don't mind of course .

Well I hope you heard something good here  and I hope you end up fine  it's always a risk and something you should talk to your dr about before stopping but you shouldn't feel its rehab or horror  you may feel nothing ,  good luck .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi. Thanks for writing in.

Ambien is zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic prescription medication approved only for the short-term treatment of insomnia as well as for some other brain disorders.
The drug is considered safe for a period of two to maximum six weeks for the treatment of insomnia. If taken for a longer duration, one may develop dependence on ambien. You should discuss with your doctor about the risks of taking ambient for 2 weeks or longer.

Ambien addiction is a serious problem requiring treatment. The signs of ambien withdrawal are insomnia, fatigue, sweating, stomach cramps, and panic attacks.

You should consult your doctor to seek appropriate professional treatment if you want to discontinue Ambien. You should not attempt to stop taking them on your own. Several Drug rehab programs are available, which are multi-phasic approach to undergo medically supervised detoxification along with counseling (cognitive-behavioral therapy) in an in-patient or out-patient setting to help overcome addiction to Ambien.

Regards

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Sleep Disorders Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.