Ambien addiction

[MandyDL]

I have been treated for depression since 1991 and am on lexapro and just started gabitril.  The problem is that I never sleep well and have become addicted to ambien but do not know how to tell my psych this.  I get the ambien over the internet and sometimes take 100mg or more at a time.  How do I stop on my own? I cannot afford a clinic and I know my psych will make me go to the hospital if I tell her.

[doubleZZs]

Avoid this drug at all cost. It has robbed me of my health, looks, vitality, memory and family.  I researched this drug and for some reason, even though some of these post are nearly 7 years old, I was not able to find the info that is posted here. I started using as needed to help get to sleep. The very first time I used it, I did not know that you had to take it and immediately get in the bed.  I walked the dog. I had no recollection of what happened, nor do I know how I made it to bed. When I first started taking Ambien, I think that I was driving while under its influence and going to the local all night Walmart or grocery store. I wound up spending a lot of money on purchases I didn't recall making and would eat and put on a lot of weight. I even ordered things from infomercials that I didn't recall. The most embarrassing was sending text messages and calling people and having conversations while asleep. I was in the middle of a break-up form a long-term relationship when I first started and was told that I said some very revealing things to the person I was dating afterwards.

More recently, as I have progressed through perimenopause and upped the dose from time to time to nightly, I have suffered the consequences. After a hip replacement, I suffered the return of night terrors - which is the equivalent to me of panic attacks while sleeping. I have had some of the most horrific symptoms – tooth decay, bone deterioration, nerve damage, panic attacks, etc. People think I am a senior citizen and offer me their seats on the train or try to help me in and out of the car. They call me “sweetie” and smile that smile people reserve for old ladies.  I looked at myself in the mirror one night and sobbed. I looked like a skeleton. I  had gone from being slightly overweight, to looking malnourished and aged.  There is no other clinical/medical reason for this accelerated aging. My friends do not recognize me and I am amazed when looking at pictures just a year apart of the difference.

Sorry this is so long. I could go on and on about how awful I feel everyday, but I think you get the picture. I am trying to detox by decreasing the dosage by cutting the pills down but that is a challenge in itself trying to maintain a measured dose.  Please, try anything, but do not take this drug.

[jessmomof2babyboys]

Thanks guys for the info! I had forgotten I took my two already then a cpl hours later I took two more. The I counted my pills and realized omg i have taken four! I'm fighting my sleep because I'm afraid I will die

[LeaAnn807]

Oh.....Ambien almost ruined my life.  I almost died in a car accident, and I don't even remember getting in the car!  I was so hooked on it that I took it day and night!  It was, without a doubt, the hardest thing I have ever had to detox from.  I literally went WEEKS without going to sleep, had seizures and everything!  It was awful!  

I think they should take it off the market! : )

[moose19ny]

Well, it has been several months now and no Ambien no nothing.  I dont sleep some nights and those nights I do I wake up several times each night but it is all worth it.  I feel good for the first time in a long time and it seems to be getting better and better.  One day at a time.  I have some bad days where I get depressed but then I will have a week of good days so it is all good.  Getting over Ambien was one of the worst things I have ever had to do.  DO NOT START IT.  Find some way of figuring out when the not sleeping started and figure out how to fix it without it.  Trust me it is bad bad stuff.  Anyone ever wants to chat about it or has questions or how to quit it dont hesitate to contact me.  ***@****

[Addict63]

Hi Ashamed, I'm in the process of getting off Ambien right now. I'm on a taper program. I don't plan to sleep for a few days when I'm done with the program. Ambien is scary stuff for me. I didn't abuse it, in fact used less than prescribed, but I still want off. My WDs from it are bad. You can't quit the stuff cold turkey. Too dangerous. Use what you have sparingly, cut up remaining drugs into rations and use to prevent bad WDs. Tell your Doctor (at least one of them)!! Your Dr. will help you out. Also tell a pharmacist. He/she might help you out suggesting OTC sleep aid to help you sleep, and possibly what to do to prevent trouble with WDs. You need the rest of your Lunesta/Ambien to prevent bad WDs. Don't run out. Good luck

[Ashamed67]

I know this may sound stupid to ask but if you order over the internet what should you look for to know if its legitmate? I have a script from one dr for lunesta and another dr for ambien and some how manage to finish both in 3 wks. I havent really been keeping track of how many Im taking. I guess I should. Lunesta work good once it kicks in but does not kick in as fast as ambien. The only time just one works for me is if I don't eat All day. Other wise if I have a meal even at 5:30 and take it at 10 it take 2 maybe 3 10mg to knock me out. I started seeing my psyc 2 1/2 yrs ago after I went to him for 50-10mg of Hydrocodone per day to get on Suboxone. I've only been taking both lunesta and ambien for a few months but once I was on to that I could get both at the same time from different drs I guess I felt comfortable with taking more if I thought I needed it. Now I'm scared to death because Im about to be out for a wk because I won't be able to sleep. Is there anything I can take over the counter until then. I plan to taper down back where I need to be but need something to get me through til then. Please help!!!

Ashamed