Posted by yxibow on September 10, 2006, at 18:34:16
In reply to long term ambien use, dangerous?, posted by crabwalk on September 5, 2006, at 14:15:20
> Hi, I've been using ambien or ambien CR for the past 4 months nightly, and I'm starting to wonder if this is affecting my mood. I've also had some morning headaches, dizziness/feeling off balance. I quit emsam about a month ago so that may have something to do with it. Has anybody had problems with using ambien every night for a long time?
With any sleep aid, there is always a side effect of morning after -- it just depends on the harshness of the compound and the body's reaction.
I've used Ambien at 20mg for probably around 2 years. I have to use it at a higher dose because I am not benzodiazepine naive. If I returned to Lunesta, I'd probably have to use 4-5mg.
Its never been listed as use for long term but has been prescribed plenty in those results, and AmbienCR has been listed as at least semi long term. They're all similar pseudobenzodiazepines, including Lunesta, in nickel and steel flavour, coming soon, manganese... no okay, I had to throw that in... there is definately a taste issue with Lunesta but I've never felt it the next day. Some do claim to.
Basically, until one is steady with Ambien, the usual, don't operate heavy machinery, definately don't drink alcohol near taking any sleep aid. One will gradually acclimate and may need 15 or 20mg of it instead, depending on the willingness of your doctor. Its usually prescribed as 1, take another if needed so insurance companies don't have a fit, but my understanding is that it is going generic around October so I think that isn't going to be an issue. And yes, there's the story of dear Aunt Muffy taking Ambien and baking an entire cake and eating it and going back to bed and not remembering it in the morning. This is possible -- anything is, but large amnesic events like that are generally dose related, age related, and possibly have genetic proclivity.
Not to say that it is child's play. Talk with your doctor about the nature of your insomnia (mine has always been rather bad) and what he or she is willing to do to work with you.
-- tidingsJay
poster:yxibow
thread:683370
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060909/msgs/684792.html