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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ceridan on June 8, 2011, at 8:42:51
Hi!
I have been using Zolpidem regularly for about three years (5-10 mg daily), never having trouble to quire some from a friend (psychologist). But I'm really fed up with it now, my tolerance is rising and I think I experience day time withdrawal symptoms (somnolence, anxiety). My insomnia is heightened by having some quite stressful events in my life (death of my brother, break-up), but I just don't want to be addicted to this drug any more.
Currently I take about 10-15 mg per night (usually 10 + 5 at morning). And my question is, should I taper it down, quit cold turkey and replace it with a benzodiazepine? But I have only Alprozalam at my disposal, which had quite short life.
Thanks for you help and possibly support
Posted by Phillipa on June 8, 2011, at 9:29:41
In reply to Getting off Zolpidem, posted by Ceridan on June 8, 2011, at 8:42:51
Sounds like you have had a lot of triggering bad events dosen't seem the right time to get off a med maybe switch for now. So sorry about the break up and recent death of your Brother so horrible. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on June 8, 2011, at 11:41:18
In reply to Re: Getting off Zolpidem » Ceridan, posted by Phillipa on June 8, 2011, at 9:29:41
I'd taper by 5mgs increments every couple days. Just a suggestion.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on June 9, 2011, at 18:34:41
In reply to Getting off Zolpidem, posted by Ceridan on June 8, 2011, at 8:42:51
I'd cut it back stepwise, in 2.5mg amounts, go from 15mg per day to 12.5 for a week, 10 for a week, 7.5 for a week etc.
50mg of diphenhydramine (one Unisom SleepGel) would help you sleep while comming off of the zoldipem, but best to use it only every other night
You should probably see a doctor about the root causes of your needing the drug, and getting some treatment for them
Posted by Ceridan on June 13, 2011, at 8:04:01
In reply to Getting off Zolpidem, posted by Ceridan on June 8, 2011, at 8:42:51
Well, my progress so far:
Day 1 - 2x 5mg Zolpidem, 2.5mg Diazepam, 12.5 mg Doxylamine (hypnotic/sedative antihistamine) (+some herbal remedies, tea, melatonin (extended realse 1mg), magenesium + B6, B1 vitamin = support mix)
Day 2 - 2.5mg Zolpidem (morning awake), 2.5mg Diazepam + support mix
Day 3, Day 4 - no Zolpidem, 2.5 mg Diazepam, 6 mg Doxylamine + support mix
Now I plan to take no Diazepam and probably no Doxylamine, as it loses its effectiveness. Also melatonin should be take only from time to time.
I fall asleep more slowly and don't feel as refreshed, but I fell better being off the Zolpidem. Also some exercise is important, at lease to get off the train earlier and walk one station on foot.
This is the end of the thread.
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