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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Chronic Insomnia. Prescribed Antidepressants, Anxiety Medicines, Zolpidem Tartrate. Advisable To Withdraw Few Medicines?

I am a healthy 75 year old woman who has suffered with chronic insomnia for 32 years. During this time I have been prescribed antidepressents, anxiety meds as well as zolpidem tartrate. Although I do fall asleep, I can't stay asleep and don't get quality sleep over an 8-9 hr period. I am slowly withdrawing from Paxil and I am going to try to take only 10 mg zolpidem at night and take 5 mg of zolpidem when I wake up in the middle of the night. Is this advisable? I have been through two sleep studies and there are no physical problems.
Tue, 12 Nov 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Dear Friend
Welcome to Healthcare Magic

I read your concern ... and you like to reduce antidepressant medications .. Its good to be without drugs but i would suggest you to consult your Specialist and get adviced before stopage or reducing doses as abrupt change in medication can lead to withdrawl symptoms . Therefore get adviced and you can reduce dose and can take 5 mg of zolpidem if awaken in middle of night .

As you found there is no difficulties after reduction of dosage it is advisable to be on reduced dose for another one month before complete stoppage of medications.

Hope this information is useful, please feel free to ask if you have any queries.
Regards
Dr.J.Kingson John David
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Had Chronic Insomnia. Prescribed Antidepressants, Anxiety Medicines, Zolpidem Tartrate. Advisable To Withdraw Few Medicines?

Dear Friend Welcome to Healthcare Magic I read your concern ... and you like to reduce antidepressant medications .. Its good to be without drugs but i would suggest you to consult your Specialist and get adviced before stopage or reducing doses as abrupt change in medication can lead to withdrawl symptoms . Therefore get adviced and you can reduce dose and can take 5 mg of zolpidem if awaken in middle of night . As you found there is no difficulties after reduction of dosage it is advisable to be on reduced dose for another one month before complete stoppage of medications. Hope this information is useful, please feel free to ask if you have any queries. Regards Dr.J.Kingson John David