The problem with Ambien

[Connonym]

I should know better but last night I took an Ambien (a prescription sleeping pill) while still sitting at my computer. Yeah, not a good idea that. I woke up this morning to discover bizarre IM conversations on my computer and a couple posts here on DU that I have absolutely no recollection of making. So anyone who got a dirty IM, PM or phone call from me last night...sorry :blush:

[grace0418]

1. When my husband takes that stuff he starts saying the oddest things.

I should record him, some of the stuff would make great song lyrics.

[taterguy]

2. I'm just sorry I didn't get any dirty PMs from you

Someone had to say it

[Frank Cannon]

3. At least you didn't wake up driving on the freeway

in your underwear. I've heard of that kind of thing happening quite a bit.

[crispini]

4. Dang, it didn't do that to ME.

Of course, it didn't keep me asleep either, so what's the point. Useless drug, at least for me! :P

[Democrat 4 Ever]

5. Ambien worked wonderfully for me. At least until my health coverage

lapsed after using up my COBRA benefits. I have NEVER slept more than 2-3 hours a night. When I went through my divorce my doctor prescribed Ambien so I could sleep.

I could not get over the difference I felt. I actually felt rested when I woke up in the morning. I fortunately did not have any of the reported side effects, no grogginess, etc. I woke up (without an alarm clock) almost seven hours to the minute after I took the Rx awake and rearing to go. I never increased the dosage, never developed a habit, just got good result for the Rx until my prescription coverage expired and I could no longer take them.

I haven't slept a good night since. I've tried Tylenol PM, Benadryl and other over the counter pills. I've tried warm milk, hot tea, glass of wine, you name it, I've tried it. It has been three years and I haven't had a good night's sleep since. (I toyed with the idea of a Tylenol PM, Benadryl and glass of wine combo cocktail but figured I didn't need that kind of trouble! Kidding, sort of - I never tried it but there were some nights, it was 3 AM, had to get up at 6 AM and I would have sold by exes' left nut for a few hours of sleep!)

My doctor would gladly give me a Rx for the Ambien since I was one of those who benefited from the drug without the side effects but I just can't afford $100.00+ a month expense.

And you know the worse part? If you have never tasted chocolate you wouldn't miss it so much but once you got the taste you then know what you are missing when it is gone. It is like that for me. I never slept well but once I got that feeling of being well rested and ready to go each morning I think the tireness is even more draining and harder than before.

I hope this doesn't make me sound like a drugged out addict but like people who need insulin or heart medication, I know what helped my quality of life and I miss it.

[Connonym]

8. :hugs:

I have chronic insomnia too; both the kind where you can't fall asleep and the kind where you can't stay asleep. It's awful! I do get good sleep with the Ambien but in the time between taking it and falling asleep I can be really, really out of it. Normally I'm pretty religious about not taking it until right before I climb in bed but last night, I don't know WTF I was thinking last night.

Look for a PM from me please.

[Oeditpus Rex]

11. Thank you for that analogy

When people talk about being "addicted" to prescription meds taken only as necessary for quality of life (i.e. Xanax), I often say, "Is a diabetic 'addicted' to insulin?"

[AllegroRondo]

6. Does that mean the weddings off?

Darn!

:hi:

[Connonym]

9. but not the honeymoon ;-)

:evilgrin:

[AllegroRondo]

10. good, the cruise tickets are non-refundable!

:loveya:

[LynneSin]

7. I switched to Lunesta. Ambien scared me

I took it one time while I was on my sofa and next thing you know I'm in the bedroom and it's the morning but I have no clue how I got from 'Point A' to 'Point B'.

I don't like having blacked out moments - Lunesta doesn't do that to me!