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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Avoid Withdrawal Symptoms From Avoiding Taking Of Ambien?

i have taken ambien for many years, each time i try to stop it i get withdrawal symptoms that make it impossible for me to stop taking it. yet when i tell the doctor that they said there is no withdrawal for ambien. i want off this drug without feeling like this. is there treatment for it?
Tue, 19 Jan 2016
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi
I understand your concern. Ambien (zolpidem) usually does not have a withdrawal phase since it has a very short duration of action on our body. However, when a person gets used to its intake, it gets difficult to stop that pattern of use without having problems with sleep.

In your case, i will suggest you to shift on a medication which has a longer duration of action (like clonazepam or diazepam), on prescription by a specialist/Psychiatrist.
Taking these molecules for a few days, followed by gradually reducing the doses and stopping it over a span of a few weeks sounds like a plan.

In addition, i will suggest you to add measures of sleep hygiene to your daily routine, which will help you to have a smoother transition to a drug-free state.
http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene

Do consult a specialist with this problem and seek help with this tip in mind. I hope i have addressed your query. Happy to help in case of further doubts.
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General & Family Physician Dr. Dr. Parth Goswami's  Response
Hi don't think too much about taking drug.
In the morning or evening do 1 hour exercise.
Take heavy dinner.
Avoid stress.
Take milk at night.
Do meditation or yoga.
At the time of sleeping don't think about sleep or drug.
Just be relax.
Just now don't take drug for insomnia.
This will definitely help u. Still you have doubt then I will definetly help you.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
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How To Avoid Withdrawal Symptoms From Avoiding Taking Of Ambien?

Hi I understand your concern. Ambien (zolpidem) usually does not have a withdrawal phase since it has a very short duration of action on our body. However, when a person gets used to its intake, it gets difficult to stop that pattern of use without having problems with sleep. In your case, i will suggest you to shift on a medication which has a longer duration of action (like clonazepam or diazepam), on prescription by a specialist/Psychiatrist. Taking these molecules for a few days, followed by gradually reducing the doses and stopping it over a span of a few weeks sounds like a plan. In addition, i will suggest you to add measures of sleep hygiene to your daily routine, which will help you to have a smoother transition to a drug-free state. http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene Do consult a specialist with this problem and seek help with this tip in mind. I hope i have addressed your query. Happy to help in case of further doubts.