I am new here . I want to taper Stilnoct (Ambien)

[[Ao...]]

Hi all

I hope that i am posting on the correct board. I am currently on Stilnoct 5 mgs for the past 8/9 months. I am also on Valium 2mgs for the last 10 weeks as I crossedover from xanax . ( so currently off xanax for 10 weeks now).

My question is : I know Stilnoct is a Z drug but is in pretty much the same category as benzodiazepines.

Do I taper Stilnoct first as it has a shorter half life than valium?

Can anyone suggest or advise on the taper schedule?

I'll be talking to the doctor next week about this but seriously they really are in the dark when it comes to these serious withdrawal symptoms.

I've been having a tough time for the past year so I need to go slow on this.

Any help is appreciated.

[[Bi...]]

Hi all

I hope that i am posting on the correct board. I am currently on Stilnoct 5 mgs for the past 8/9 months. I am also on Valium 2mgs for the last 10 weeks as I crossedover from xanax . ( so currently off xanax for 10 weeks now).

My question is : I know Stilnoct is a Z drug but is in pretty much the same category as benzodiazepines.

Do I taper Stilnoct first as it has a shorter half life than valium?

Can anyone suggest or advise on the taper schedule?

I'll be talking to the doctor next week about this but seriously they really are in the dark when it comes to these serious withdrawal symptoms.

I've been having a tough time for the past year so I need to go slow on this.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Ashton uses Valium for Z drugs.  What about quitting the Stilnoct and covering it with an increase in valium and then just taper valium?

[[Ao...]]

Thank you very much for your reply Birdman. I am not long on this site and I didn't see your reply until now . Apologies.

I have started to taper the Ambien. I can feel today the weird head sensations already beginning to creep in....Awww no. I may have cut too much ?? I wasnt sure of what to do .

Im down from 5mgs to 2.5mgs .

I think the Ashton Manual says that Ambien 2 mgs = Valium 2mgs...not 100%. My wooly head.

I wanted to taper Ambien as one of the members here pointed out rightly that it is a kissing cousin of the Benzodiazepines. So,  surely it could also be contributing to these horrible symptoms.