need encouragement - have had a tough day today

[[tu...]]

I have had some dizziness return (on and off) the last couple weeks.  I am 6 weeks off Ambien this Friday.  I just feel so weird today.  So woozy, foggy and a little panicky at times from the dizziness.  While I know the return of symptoms is normal, I need some reassurance that this is to be expected and that healing is still taking place.  It scares me so much to think I will never get over this.  I am not able to drive today - I feel so disabled.  I'm trying really hard to stay positive, but days like this make me feel so uncertain and worried that this is something permanent I have done to myself.  Either that or that my problem is not the Ambien but rather something I have yet to discern.  The later seems unlikely as I have seen many medical doctors (including, but not limited to a neurologist) relating to similar symptoms (even worse than today) and they can find nothing medically wrong with me.  It also seems unlikely as my problems all surfaced about a month after starting the Ambien (problems such as vertigo/dizziness/terrible anxiety).  In the end I decided it had to be the Ambien (a doctor did not determine that for me).  I still truly believe it is the Ambien as I am doing a lot better (other than these "waves") off of it (including sleep) than I was on it.  Has anyone else felt this way?  I feel bad to be so needy and need so much encouragement, but these setbacks are really tough.  Thanks!

[[rh...]]

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. Don't ever apologize for being needy because that's what we're here for. I don't know much about Ambien, except that I took it for a while for insomnia. Regardless, you're in need of support and encouragement.

 

There are so many side effects to these drugs and we take them unknowingly because we were taught to "trust" doctors. I wish I could help you in some way. All I know is that you'll get through this in time. Time is on our side .

 

Just know you're not alone, even though you may feel like it. I do hope your anxiety let's up for you. I'm sending a cyber hug to you  (((((Hugs))))

 

Hang in there my friend,

rhapsodygirl

 

[[...]]

Hi turtlegirl,

 

I'm sorry that you are having a tough day, and that some of your symptoms have come back, but that is the nature of Ambien withdrawals, and benzos withdrawals in general.  The symptoms come, and go.  It can be very discouraging and frustrating, and make us question if we are dealing with something other than withdrawals, but since you have seen a Neurologist, and received negative results, it is, as you suspect, withdrawals from Ambien.

 

Keep reminding yourself that this is temporary, and you will heal, with no permanent damage.

 

good luck 

 

pj