New Member

[[Ta...]]

Hello, my name is Tammi and I am new to the board.  From what I have read, Ambien is not a Benzodiazapine but is similar.  I have been taking Ambien for almost three years.  I quit taking it four weeks ago and am absolutely miserable.  I joined this board so that I can possible get some information as to what is needed and how long it will take to get back to normal. :

[[BY...]]

Hi Tammih,

 

I was Ambien for quite awhile myself and it can be very miserable indeed, when you stop taking it.

 

Please ask questions, everyone will help you through this the best they can.

 

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

[[De...]]

Hi Tammih,

Welcome to Benzobuddies.

I am not familiar with ambien although I do know it is a "Z" drug with similar properties to benzos. I'm sure you are feeling very miserable after cold turkey but you will get lots of support here.

Debbie 

[[Ta...]]

Thanks!

 

How long does it usually take to get back to being able to fall asleep again?  It has been a month so far and it is not any better. I quit taking Ambien the day of my surgery a month ago. I had a melon sized uterine fibroid removed. I slept okay during the 4 days I was in the hospital but probably because they were giving me Benadryl for itching. Since coming home, I have had maybe three nights where I could fall asleep. I have been up till about 2am and then do not fall asleep until about 4 or 5 and sleep a few hours. Last night I slept a restless 2 hours. I am so beat. I have to go back to work in 2 weeks and am worried I will not be sleeping then either.

[[De...]]

Hi Tammih,

The sleep issue is obvously a withdrawal effect from stopping the drug abrubtly, maybe tapering it gradually would have been less drastic for you, is this not an option ?

With regards to how long it will be before your sleep pattern returns, I'm afraid I dont know, maybe someone else will chip in who is more familiar with Ambien.

Sorry to hear what you've been through and hope you situation improves very soon.

Debbie.

[[Ta...]]

I would've tapered off had I known that sleeping without the drug would become such an issue. The main problem was that I had major surgery and could not take that drug while I was in the hospital. Now I am a month off and don't dare take it again out of fear of confusing my brain even more.

[[Fl...]]

Good "morning" Tammi - I see you are not sleeping - sorry.

 

A lot of people do a cross over to Valium before discontinuing Ambien and do a slow taper.  I don't know if this is an option for you since you've been off for a month.  It wouldn't hurt to talk to your doctor and get some feedback on that idea.

 

You cold turkeyed and it's going to take your brain some time to heal, or really your GABA receptors time to up regulate.  It would be wise to avoid stimulants such as caffeine and simple sugars and artificial sweeteners.  Things like MSG can rev you, as well.  During this time, it would be good if you could eat whole, unprepared foods - things you cook yourself from scratch.  Your body will respond to this wholesomeness.  Oh, and no alcohol for now. 

 

Sorry you are suffering.  I just wanted to say hello and welcome.

Flip