Ambi3n (z0lpid3m)

[Mystical]

I've been on zolpidem for some time now and was wondering if it would be a good idea to switch to a different Zdrug or alternative route to try to get sleep? I have tried to go without it a couple of times but was not successful in getting ANY sleep. I just do not want my body to get to use to it, although I am sure by now it is.  I was on 10mgs not to long ago and the last three months have just been on 5 and it was a little rocky at the beginning but seems to be ok now.  It does not "put me out" or anything, and I do not really notice a sleepy or lethargic affect but I can not seem to sleep without it.  I am also on prazosin for sleep, which was originally made for high blood pressure but is now used as a treatment for people that have PTSD (primarily helps with nightmares, and it does actually help).  I apologize in advance if this is not the right thread to post this. I was going back and forth between whether to post in the insomnia thread or this one, and the insomnia thread did seem to give great advice on different methods of getting to bed, but I wanted info/experience specific to zolpidem. I have also tried (even attended classes) every suggested method in the book for sleep, such as healthy sleep habits, environment, routines, ect, ect. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Honestly, all the Zdrugs are basically Zolpidem with different inactive ingredients. I have PTSD induced insomnia and have been using Zolpidem for close to a decade. I wish there was a way to not have to be a slave to @mbien. Have you done a sleep study where they monitor your brainwaves? That might be a good step to speak to your doctor about and have the study performed to see if there is something neurologically going on. There are also some benzo class drugs that assist with falling asleep. The best suggestion I can give is to not give up hope and pursue doctors that specialize in sleep disturbances and sleep therapy. I'm in the process right now of trying to break the dependence I have to Zolpidem. I wish I would have never been given an Rx for it as I feel it created more problems than it actually solved.

In regard to the other comments about the CR, please be careful. Please be aware of the potential side effects that it can cause. I've ruined relationships because of the "crazy" that the medicine makes me experience. CR gives me a Jekyll and Mr. Hyde type of personality break as the medicine kicks in and I haven't fallen asleep. I will keep all of my fellow insomnia sufferers in my prayers and I hope that we may some day be free of the vicious cycle. Just know that we are all here for each other.