Symptoms during Zolpidem taper

[[Mu...]]

I’m currently taking Diazepam and Zolpidem (my signature has a brief history), having started tapering the Zolpidem in August.  I’ve had some problems with insomnia since starting that taper, but thankfully not as bad thus far as I had feared (knock on wood).  What has surprised me is recent worsening of the tinnitus, hearing sensitivity, and ear-blocked sensations that are my primary symptoms. 

 

I didn’t really expect those problems to worsen during the Zolpidem taper given what the Ashton Manual says about generally being able to come quickly off of Zolpidem due to its short half-life.  I’m trying to determine if my recent wave is due to tapering off the Zolpidem or if something else may be going on.

 

Anybody have experience with symptoms like tinnitus while tapering off Zolpidem?  I’m also currently on a relatively small, 3mg daily, dose of Diazepam, having stopped that taper after learning (from whoever it was who kindly sent a brief response to the Hail-Mary email I sent to Professor Ashton in late July) that it would be better to get off the Z-drug first. I don’t take any other drugs right now and have also cut out the beer while tapering.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice and best wishes to all . . .

[[Br...]]

I saved Ambien for last. It has always been easy for me to go on and off Ambien and it helps with the insomnia that comes with tapering benzos.

 

I'm not a doctor, but my experience says get off the benzo first. The ambien will be easier.

 

Brian