Spouse on Ambien

[Monster01]

Hi my question is that I have a spouse on Ambien and has been taking it for about three years now and swears there is nothing else that will help them sleep but uses it to cope with life also if something goes wrong they go to bed and take an Ambien and sleep until they feel better about the problem does anyone have any suggestions as to how to handle something like this.

[Jerry_NJ]

My wife has been on (generic) Ambien for years.. don't recall how many.  All her doctors know it, including her Oncologist, Primary Care, and Psychiatrist.  

I can't testify to the addictive nature but it does seem that her body had adjusted to it somewhat, that is it is less effective some times.

I take the pill very rarely and it works.  I too prefer not to use it regularly and don't.

My wife and I are older (seniors) but I know one relative female about 40 who takes sleeping pills regularly - or did last time we happen to discuss it a couple of years back.

[maddysue1]

Ambien is very addicting of course they cant sleep without it because your brain forgets how to sleep without it.

[Monster01]

Thank's for the help I will see what I can do to get them to a speialist.
Thank's Again

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Ambien is a short-acting sedative-hypnotic and is used for insomnia. If your husband is becoming addictive to ambient then he can try other methods for sleep also. He should Keep a regular sleep and awakening schedule, avoid caffeinated beverages later than the afternoon (tea, coffee, soft drinks etc.), adjust the environment in the room (lights, temperature, noise, etc.) and should not watch TV, read, eat, or worry in bed and avoid watching TV, reading books, and eating in your bed.

Then Self-hypnosis, biofeedback and relaxation breathing are often helpful. These can be discussed with a sleep specialist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.