Want to get off Ambien

[[Al...]]

I have had insomnia for a long time.  I honestly can't remember how long ago it was when I could just go to bed at night and sleep.  It has been years and years.  Once I get to sleep Im usually ok, but I can lay there for hours wide awake no matter how tired and sleepy I feel.  I started taking OTC sleeping pills a few years ago.  At first it was just once in a while, then all the time.

 

About a year ago my doc put me on 10mg Zolpidem and I've been on it every night since.  A few times I've tried to sleep without it but its just impossible.  My mind never shuts up and my eyes just won't seem to close.

 

I really would like to get off this med.  It takes me a couple hours now to fall asleep after I take it, but without it, it would be double that at least.

 

I also take 20mg citalopram in the mornings for depression.

 

Please help

[[Bi...]]

AlleyCat,

 

Welcoming you to Benzo Buddies.

 

You will find plenty of support here, others will be around to weigh in shortly.

 

If you wish to add a signature: Signature

 

Billy.

[[an...]]

Hi! If you look at forum categories there is one on Insomnia, You may find 'your people' there...and lots of tips!

[[Me...]]

Hi AlleyCat

Welcome to BB.

 

I am one of 'your people' Anastasiarobyn referred to.  If you read my signature you will see that I have been on Zolpidem for 13years in May.  I have successfully c/t off of long term use of Benzo's but am still on a Zolpidem taper - it is an evil drug.  Some people crossover to Valium but there are a couple of us who are doing a direct taper.  I have read of others who say its ok to c/t off of it  - I tried twice the second time I suffered horrific withdrawals and 21 nights straight of zero sleep.  I would suggest you try and taper at a rate of 10% every 2 -3 weeks even slower if it is uncomfortable.  I titrate my dosage by others are dry cutting.

 

You state that it takes you a couple of hours to get to sleep with it and that without it it would probably be double.  Does that mean that you are able to fall asleep without it even thought it takes you a longer time.  If so WOW you might be able to do this quicker than most of us who have NEVER slept for a single minute without it for many many years.

[[Al...]]

Hi AlleyCat

Welcome to BB.

 

I am one of 'your people' Anastasiarobyn referred to.  If you read my signature you will see that I have been on Zolpidem for 13years in May.  I have successfully c/t off of long term use of Benzo's but am still on a Zolpidem taper - it is an evil drug.  Some people crossover to Valium but there are a couple of us who are doing a direct taper.  I have read of others who say its ok to c/t off of it  - I tried twice the second time I suffered horrific withdrawals and 21 nights straight of zero sleep.  I would suggest you try and taper at a rate of 10% every 2 -3 weeks even slower if it is uncomfortable.  I titrate my dosage by others are dry cutting.

 

You state that it takes you a couple of hours to get to sleep with it and that without it it would probably be double.  Does that mean that you are able to fall asleep without it even thought it takes you a longer time.  If so WOW you might be able to do this quicker than most of us who have NEVER slept for a single minute without it for many many years.

 

It has been a long time since I have tried to go without it, but I did try last summer when I was off work for a week.  I DO eventually go to sleep without it, but it might be nearly morning before that happens.  Once I do fall asleep, I can't wake up in the mornings.

 

I will post to the insomnia board   Thanks!