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Has anyone else had problems w/Ambien CR?

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Posted 7/19/2009 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am new to the site. I have SLE (3.5yrs) and Linear Schleraderma (17yrs). I have been taking Ambien CR 6.25mg for over a year and feel like it is making my symptoms worse. I have a lot of anxiety and depression. I have tried to stop it cold turkey and got very sick with tremors, severe insomnia, vomiting, diarr., panic attacks, etc.  The pharmacist says it is normal withdrawl symptoms. Has anyone else taken this and had problems? If so, what can I do to get off this medication? I am going to my rhemy next week.

Thanks!

Arky

Posted 7/19/2009 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, thats a long time to be taking a sleep aid. Are you taking it every nite? I take generic ambien, but only when Im having a hard time with pain so a I can get a good nite sleep. It will diffently cause some sort of depression, I know it does with me. Start using it everyother night then everyother other night. See if that helps. Good luck.
Posted 7/20/2009 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I don't have any experiance with Ambien.

But I do have to comment about "that's long for a sleep aid" ... I've been taking something for sleep for almost 10 years. So I guess I don't really think of a year as being that big a deal. From what I've read, though, some of the sleep meds shouldn't be taken too long -- some drs use 2 or 3 different meds for 1 patient and switch from one to another every 6 or 8 months.

I think your rheumy (or whoever gave you the prescription) is probably the best person to advise how to cope with withdrawal. Sometimes you can take alternate meds that aren't as addictive to help wean off of meds.
Posted 7/20/2009 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome!

I take Ambien CR almost every night. If I skip a night, I sleep poorly and am "jittery" and tired the next day. I did try several other sleep meds, but none of them kept me asleep through the night. And a good night's sleep seems to help with my overall health.
I would definitely check in with your doctor. Perhaps there is some type of "cross reaction" going on with one of your other meds? You might want to talk to your rheumy before deciding on a plan of action.

Good Luck. I hope you feel better.
Posted 7/20/2009 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the great advice. I was on lunesta every night for two yrs. and then Ambien CR for the last year. I do have to take it everynight or I have the severe withdrawl symptoms. I can handle no sleep for a couple of days but not the rest of it. I have never had anxiety or depression and it just started after being on Ambien for a while. I am going to the dr at 11:00 so we will see what he thinks. They usually just try to load you up on some other drug as well. HA! I am sure you know what I mean.

I really appreciate our responses! It is nice to have others that know what you are going through.

Take care,
Arky
Posted 7/20/2009 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I'm sorry you are having such a time with the Ambien, I didn't take it as long as you but had strange side effects and stopped taking it.  Lunesta worked but due to insurance I couldn't take that either, so my rhuemy prescribed Trazadone and I've been taking it for over a year now, and yes every night which there is nothing wrong with, some peope have insomnia for whatever reason and just can't sleep.  I have missed doses of perhaps 3 nights worth and no jitters, or withdrawl symptoms like you described, but I did have a bit of difficulty staying asleep.  Many years ago, my pcp gave me a script for klonopin and that was a nightmare and when  you described your symptoms it reminded me of that, it was horrid! I had to just stop taking those crazy pills! I hope your rhuemy will figure out something that will work for you because sleep is so important! I have RA and when I don't sleep it makes for an awful flare.

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