Posted by erik98225 on May 15, 2006, at 4:28:38
In reply to Re: Hey Ed, posted by qbsbrown on May 15, 2006, at 0:53:45
The standard 10mg Ambien dose is equivalent to a very small amount of Valium (3mg maybe?)
Ambien is best described as a "Seletcive" benzo; it binds to the sedating receptors but not the anti-anxiety or muscle relaxant ones. Ambien could concievably be used as a benzo withdrawal aid, but don't count on it -- it acts on SOME of the same receptors and may increase benzo withdrawl symptoms. My doc says it is safe to take it every night, it is only minimally addictive -- at worst you'll go 3 or 4 nights without sleep.
If your benzo withdrawl is really bad and the main symptom is insomnia, I'd advise taking 75mg of Benadryl (if you can tolerate it). This is an overdose of a relatively harmless drug that "may cause drowsiness", in fact it's what OTC sleeping pills usually are. Benadryl does not affect the same receptors as benzos and their newer derivatives (Ambien etc.)
I know what benzo withdrawal is like, and wish you the best of luck.
Erik
poster:erik98225
thread:643377
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060515/msgs/644154.html