Labradinger61

[[La...]]

Hi,

I am female and have been on zolpidem 10 mg every night for several years. My doctor has put me on a gradual taper of two weeks reduce by one pill each week, then 2 weeks reduce by 2, and so forth until I'm down to no pills. Is this a good way to go? Last night was my first night no pill and it was pure hell. Sweats, heart beating in ears, maybe one hour total sleep. And I'm very anxious and feel like crying...😥

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  The doctor put you on a very fast taper, which, unfortunately, is not unusual. Many if not most doctors don't seem to understand the value of a slow taper.  Your symptoms are not unusual under the circumstances, and I hope you start feeling better soon.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to see  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a month or so after discontinuing the medication.  The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but these are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Detox and Rapid Taper Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms in Chapter III, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

 

 

 

[[La...]]

Thank you!  I am looking forward to the support to help get through this most difficult time..🙏

[[La...]]

Hi,

I checked out the Ashton Manual and could not find Zolpidem in the reduction/taper schedules. I could only see Zopiclone. Can someone help me with this? Thank you 😁

[[me...]]

Hi,

I checked out the Ashton Manual and could not find Zolpidem in the reduction/taper schedules. I could only see Zopiclone. Can someone help me with this? Thank you 😁

 

Zolpidem is Ambien, and tapering this would be similar to tapering a benzo, 5-10% every 10-14 days or slower is what we recommend.