Ambien - Take when needed or as a course?

**davedizzle** · 05-06-2007, 02:54 PM

I got hold of some Ambien to try help me sleep.
Do I take it as and when needed or as a course?
I read you shouldn't take it for longer than 10days..

Thanks

**jaysunderstudy** · 05-06-2007, 03:57 PM

Technically u should take it for short times because its addictive, Most RX i've seen is usually 1 tab at bedtime as needed now u really ought to not take more than 1. Usually if ur sleep ***rived, when u catch back up on ur sleep u'll be fine so probably not wise to take it for a long period of time if u don't need to.

**Doc M** · 05-06-2007, 06:35 PM

What dose did you get?

Doc M

**Bojangles69** · 05-06-2007, 07:45 PM

With any sleep med def best to use "as needed", because many ppl eventually tend to use them "not as needed".

**Doc M** · 05-06-2007, 09:15 PM

Well, I thought you would answer the dose a little more quickly so here is some information anyway.

Sleep meds should be as needed only. If you continue having issues with falling to sleep or wake up consistently and do not feel well rested, a trip to your primary care physician is probably in order. A lot of underlying issues can cause sleep loss and if it becomes a pattern, go in for a physical and if recommended, a blood panel.

As far as Ambien is particularly concerned. It's good and has proven it's worth since its initial introduction. There are several others that are as effective if not more ***ending on the dose and individual. The new Ambien CR is my personal favorite and I am currently taking it at this time with great success. Lunesta is also very good but can be pricey even with a solid insurance plan.

Please, if time permits, post up some of your thoughts on the medication and how it personally worked or did not work.

Doc M

**Bojangles69** · 05-06-2007, 10:22 PM

Hey Doc if your a real doctor while your here I wanna ask you a question.

I have a SERIOUS problem waking up in the morning and for the last few months have been sleeping from 10-14 hours on average. For some reason when I fall asleep I've been having a real hard time getting up, and I even sleep A LOT during the day.

I'm on one medication but was like this before I started taking it. I know its near impossible to diagnose but Id appreciate any ideas, Im even thinkn about getting a blood test for mono because I dont know why but thats whay I think it feels like.

**Doc M** · 05-07-2007, 04:41 AM

Bo,

PM me some personal stats or post them up if you are comfortable. Also, what medication you are currently taking at at what dose would be helpful. I'm heading into the office now but will check later on this afternoon. And yes, I have been accused of being a real Doctor.

Doc M

**davedizzle** · 05-07-2007, 04:47 AM

I got 10mg, first time took 10mg but last night took 20mg.

**Mizfit** · 05-09-2007, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by Doc M

Well, I thought you would answer the dose a little more quickly so here is some information anyway.

Sleep meds should be as needed only. If you continue having issues with falling to sleep or wake up consistently and do not feel well rested, a trip to your primary care physician is probably in order. A lot of underlying issues can cause sleep loss and if it becomes a pattern, go in for a physical and if recommended, a blood panel.

As far as Ambien is particularly concerned. It's good and has proven it's worth since its initial introduction. There are several others that are as effective if not more ***ending on the dose and individual. The new Ambien CR is my personal favorite and I am currently taking it at this time with great success. Lunesta is also very good but can be pricey even with a solid insurance plan.

Please, if time permits, post up some of your thoughts on the medication and how it personally worked or did not work.

Doc M

I take Lunesta (immovane) over in canada.. and have been on it on and off for years..

It is the only prescribe sleep med to work for me

**Serotonin** · 05-09-2007, 11:25 AM

10mg should be plenty. I've taken both ambien and lunesta and I agree with Doc M, the ambien CR seems to really knock your dick in the dirt. THe problem I had with lunesta was continued insomnia... I would just be really buzzed and laying in bed. It almost had an idiosyncratic effect on me!

Anyways, when I would get home late from work and have to go to sleep ASAP for class in the morning, I'd cut the ambien CR into 4 little pieces and that always got me sleepy at light speed. It is habit forming and it is always a bitch for me to get to bed for a few days after I run out or don't get the script refilled. Ambien CR and 3 beers = holy shit-balls I'm hallucinating.