Ambien question

[spookykim11]

I am taking 10mg of Ambien at night and have been taking it for about 3 months now because I have not been sleeping. I am wanting to stop taking it. I tried a few nights to stop but never could fall asleep. how would I be able to stop taking it? I do not abuse it and only take it as directed I just don't want to rely on anything. I started taking it due to other health issues I have one being ovarian cancer. thanks

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

I am sorry you have all these health concerns.  They probably lead to anxieties in your life and cause you problems falling asleep. Ambien does not cure insomnia, it is only a temporary crutch. The moment you stop taking it, the problem that was there originally re-occurs, since it really was never gone.  The one problem with Ambien is that your body gets used to it rather quickly and it stops working for you. You need to talk to your physicians about a better approach to your anxiety and insomnia. Good luck to you.

[spookykim11]

I tried taking 3 Benadryl the other night and nothing. before I started ambien 2 Benadryl would knock me out cold. That was also before I knew about the stage 3c ovarian cancer. I will try some of what you have posted :) thanks for the response

[jaybo2020]

I had a similar problem myself but managed to get through it rather easily. Your biggest enemy right now is not being able to sleep, but the fear and anxiety of not being able to. Approach bedtime as a relaxing time. Chamomile Tea, melatonin, Valerian root all work very well for sleeplessness. Unison does wonders as well( but take twice the recommended dosage)! Everything listed here is extremely cheap, and available at any WalMart. Remember, MINDSET is PARAMOUNT!!

Hope this helps. Sweet dreams.