![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4 to 28 of 28. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mandybella on January 25, 2004, at 19:43:05
In reply to AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Fallen4myT on January 23, 2004, at 20:12:23
I must tell you that I just was in a treatment center for 12 days in order to get off a heavy addiction to ambien for last 10 years. I was taking as many as 30-40 pills a night. So yes it can be addicting--most psychological than physical since I had very little withdrawal symptoms. But I was also on a withdrawal protocol.
One of the things I learned from a leading addiction specialist is that if you do not have the addiction gene, you will not become addicted. Meaning you will be able to give it up once you realize you need to. But if there are alcoholics or drug addicts in your family, consider whether or not you might have this problem. Hope this helps.
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 25, 2004, at 19:56:47
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Mandybella on January 25, 2004, at 19:43:05
Hey Mandybella thank you ..Odd thing is I have done all kinds of meds street drugs and kicked them by myself VERY VERY easily. But this Ambein I think I am more scared to quit cause its in my head I have kicked valium at 50 mgs a day no issue but I am so afraid of NO SLEEP cause I heard you can go psychotic over no sleep yes I am mentally dependant. My one brother is/was a drunk but nobody else in my family has had issues..I am soo glad there is HOPE I just posted to you on another site and am SO HAPPY FOR YOU...THANK YOU AND LETS HOPE I DONT HAVE THAT GENE...I doubt I do cause I can lose even Vicodin very quickly but ? yoy know? THANKS :)
Posted by Mandybella on January 25, 2004, at 20:09:51
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Fallen4myT on January 25, 2004, at 19:56:47
On other thing I keep in my mind is that noone dies from lack of sleep--sleep is a primal need and when your body really needs it, it will let you know. As a nurse I always knew that but my mental worry was worse than any knowledge I had. Also, I used ambien to escape from the world when I was depressed and wanted to isolate, and soon the ambien took over and made me even more depressed. Good luck on your journey--if I could do it, anyone can,and I will let you know when I am clean for a lonnng time!
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 25, 2004, at 20:56:41
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP » Fallen4myT, posted by Mandybella on January 25, 2004, at 20:09:51
Thank you for your help I was honestly told no sleep and then you will halluncinate and stuff and go psychotic...if the doc had NOT told me that I REALLY believe that I would NOT be on this med today and now soooo afraid I wont sleep. I had gone a few days with zero sleep that I know of and am not DXed as Bi Polar so that scared me..and that was what got me into this mess my stupid fears..I was functional and could drive and all I should have just let it go on no meds and seen where it took me. My anxiety was high and I may be near perimenopause it was a mess..and now I am. Like the other day I got into bed and THEN remembered I didnt take my Ambein...I told my husband to hold on I had to go get it...and he said honey you dont need it..but in my stupid head..I now do :(
TRUST me on this after reading how many mgs you were on I really have more hope than I have had in ages..I just hope I sleep
Posted by Twainesworld on January 26, 2004, at 1:55:31
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Fallen4myT on January 25, 2004, at 20:56:41
Hi Fallen,
I don't know if this will make you feel better (but I hope so)...
I have sometimes gone 5 days without ANY sleep, and been perfectly fine! I'm not manic nor an insomniac, I just sometimes get busy doing this or that, and just don't 'get around to it'! I know it's not a good idea, but I just wanted to let you know that you really WILL be OK if sometimes you don't sleep!! I've never had hallucinations or even any wierdness at all -- the most that happens is I get a headache (which goes away after I finally go to bed)!
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know you didn't have to worry about not sleeping sometimes -- you really WILL be ok!! I think you should go for it & get off the Ambien!!! Just think how GREAT you will feel!! If you are already wanting to stop, that's half the battle right there -- and knowing you'll be OK if you can't sleep sometimes will hopefully make you feel more confident about your decision!!
I'll be prayin' for you!!! :o)
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 27, 2004, at 17:37:39
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP » Fallen4myT, posted by Twainesworld on January 26, 2004, at 1:55:31
Thank you so much Twainesworld I wish I had met you and the other posters way back cause I bet I never would have taken the pills. I am going to talk with my doctor on going off slowly at home if I need to at my dose maybe I wont and please keep up the prayers thank you. Wow, I cannot imagine 5 days 3 were bad enough, oddly I didnt FEEL bad but was scared. I hate fear...
Posted by Twainesworld on January 27, 2004, at 19:37:43
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Fallen4myT on January 27, 2004, at 17:37:39
Hi Fallen,
I know EXACTLY what you mean about fear!!!! I think fear is worse than ANY of the real things we can imagine!! Sometimes worrying too much about NOT being able to sleep, is what actually CAUSES you to not be able to. The next time you can't sleep, it's much less scary to get busy doing something - like watching a movie, or getting on the internet, or cleaning the house, or just anything that keeps you from sitting there worrying that you're not sleeping. Believe me, before long - if you're not worrying about it - you will get tired enough & you WILL fall asleep!! Sometimes I find that even if I don't think I'm tired, if I lie down on the couch & watch t.v., within 10 minutes I'm asleep!! The main things to remember are to NOT worry about not getting enough sleep (you won't go crazy & you WILL be able to catch up on it later), and NOT to try to force yourself to lay in bed if you aren't sleepy! Get up & do something to keep your mind off of it - and when you're tired enough, you WILL fall asleep!! It will be OK!!! :o)
Thinking of you.......
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 27, 2004, at 23:32:43
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Twainesworld on January 27, 2004, at 19:37:43
Thank you again Twainesworld I think my very worse enemy is fear and myself. When this all started I let the fear of NOT sleeping kind of become an obsession it was the ONLY focus of my day and night. I WILL I mean it get this all behind me. I don't think it is going to be a easy trip for me but ONLY cause I am such a wimp :) But I have overcome worse in my life I think so we shall see. I still wanna smack myself in the head for that night I got into bed NO AMBEIN and almost went to sleep but then remembered no pill and hubby said you dont need it but like a jerk I got one..I just KNOW the one night or day I sleep on my own THAT will be my breakthrough. Thanks for being so caring it's kinda lonely when you have such an odd problem and its nice to see others care and KNOW...God Bless you
Posted by Twainesworld on January 28, 2004, at 8:53:13
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Fallen4myT on January 27, 2004, at 23:32:43
Hi Fallen,
I DO know...and, I DO care!!! :o) I think we've all been through similar experiences - if not with the same drug or the same problem, but with fear or with feeling like it's hard to let go of something that we've gotten used to! I know I've been there too!!! Fear is the worst thing of all because it keeps us down & keeps us from doing things that we could have done all along, but just didn't realize it or were too afraid to try! I TOTALLY BELIEVE that you WILL lick this thing, and that you WILL be able to give up the Ambien! Like you said, you were almost asleep that night without it! Give it a try some night -- try to go to sleep without taking your Ambien & see what happens. You can always get up & take it IF you feel you have to, but I'll bet you'll find you WON'T have to!! ;o) And, even if you do end up taking it, don't beat yourself up over it -- you will eventually feel strong enough to be able to get through the night without it!! There's no deadline! As long as you are working TOWARDS your goal, that's all that counts!!! Just think how good you'll feel once you've proven to yourself that you CAN live without the Ambien!! You will have beaten one more fear, and then you can move on to tackling the next one!! I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!!
Take Care my friend....... :o)
Posted by Fallen4myT on January 28, 2004, at 20:46:19
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Twainesworld on January 28, 2004, at 8:53:13
Thanks for believing in me and I know I can do it ..it is just the fear and the HARD part of it I hate. I like easy lol :) I think in a few days to a week or so :) not sooner as I am mega stressed right now I will try that no or 1/2 the Ambein and then IF need be get up and take it or go a night without sleep I think I would rather taper THEN jump but we shall see. I run for the shelve when stressed and hate that. I will save money too cause of no copay and all but man I wish this was easier. I kicked Valium alone but always had a huge supply IN case and maybe thats a good thing like a security blanket you never get out but have. We shall see. My goal is to be Ambein free with sleep by mid MAY :)
Thanks for being a sweet new friend
Posted by Twainesworld on January 29, 2004, at 3:45:49
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Fallen4myT on January 28, 2004, at 20:46:19
Hi Fallen,
I TOTALLY agree that tapering would be better for you than going cold-turkey!! There's no reason you need to make it harder on yourself than necessary -- and I think going cold turkey would make you nervous & panicked! Tapering is probably healthier anyway - physically as well as mentally! As long as you are lowering your dose towards the goal of eventually getting off, I think it will be easier for you (and less stressfull) to do it slowly!! It didn't take you one day to get addicted to it -- you can't expect it to only take one day to get off of it either! From what you've said before, it sounds like your husband is really supportive of you, which will be a MAJOR help to you!! Just take it slowly & remember that there is NO deadline you have to meet! Don't feel as though you HAVE to cut your dose down by an exact certain amount every week. Go down by as much as you feel you can do. If you feel strong one week, go down a little more -- if you've had a harder week, a little less. I think it's MORE important to keep from going back UP in your dose, as opposed to going down quickly -- so only do what you feel comfortable with. In time you will realize that you are almost down to zero!!! :o) Just keep telling yourself that what you are doing is a GOOD, healthy thing, and that each little milligram less you take is one step closer to freedom for you!! Even if it takes you until next January to be completely free of the Ambien, all that matters is that you ARE free of it eventually!!! Don't put parameters on yourself!! As long as you are taking a little less each month, it doesn't have to be by leaps & bounds, you know?!! Even if you have to cut your pill up into little pieces -- one little piece less is better than nothing!! Take strength in the fact that you've done it before with Valium (so you KNOW you CAN do it again with Ambien)!! The main thing is not to be too hard on yourself, and not to do more than you feel comfortable with!!! Just like with anything worthwhile, take it one day at a time!!! ;o)
I will always be here to listen....and care!!! HUGS-XXXXX
:o)
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 8, 2004, at 22:48:56
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Twainesworld on January 29, 2004, at 3:45:49
Hi I just wanted to let you all know I have been doing pretty good as far as staying at a lower dose than I have prescribed. This weekend I did badly and went over but I will make it sooner or later. Thanks again on the support I am still hanging in there
Posted by twainesworld on February 8, 2004, at 23:55:38
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP-update, posted by Fallen4myT on February 8, 2004, at 22:48:56
Hi Fallen,
YOU GO, GIRL!!!! I think that's GREAT, and I'm REALLY proud of you!!!! Remember, the important thing is not so much to get off it QUICKLY, but to get off it FOR GOOD - eventually! Take your time & go down as much as you feel comfortable with, and sooner or later you won't need it at all!!! ;o)
You're doin' great - keep up the good work!!!!!! And keep on keepin' us posted!
I'm rootin' for ya................... :o)
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 9, 2004, at 0:03:31
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP-update » Fallen4myT, posted by twainesworld on February 8, 2004, at 23:55:38
Thanks youre so sweet. Yes I am doing OK I was mad at me for messing up this weekend but I am not perfect and my dog was sick and kept asking out so when I finally got him settled down then my meds wore off. Then I woke very early this A.M and could not sleep so I took some extra minus that I have done well very well. I didnt take tons don't get me wrong but I didnt stay at my taper dose I wanted to ...Thanks I am trying and have done so well :)
It also seems right before I have a period I don't sleep good at all Ambein or not and I am in perimenopause so bah humbug ya know
You know, you're like my cheerleader...want some pom poms ----> @@
Posted by twainesworld on February 12, 2004, at 10:23:04
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP-update » twainesworld, posted by Fallen4myT on February 9, 2004, at 0:03:31
Hi Fallen,
Ya, but I'd look a LOT better in my Cheerleader's Outfit if you'd let me take that Ephedrine!!!!! ;o)
Keep on keepin' on...............
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 12, 2004, at 10:40:59
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP-update » Fallen4myT, posted by twainesworld on February 12, 2004, at 10:23:04
LMAO AHHH but if you took that stuff you would send me to my valium with ALL that excess energy 24/7 chanting cheers at me :D
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 23, 2004, at 23:33:56
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP, posted by Twainesworld on January 29, 2004, at 3:45:49
Well I have been doing pretty good minus one week and I am again back on track. However that one week was so messed up with stress and anxiety that I took far too many valium AND ambein and would run short IF I had not as I call it banked some. I do not know what I will do when my back up 60 are gone...I fear I may go to the net to buy just to have then in case....spoken like a true junkie I know :( I do not think I can be honest with my doctor I am though again back ti under his dose...but ugh :-/
Posted by Mandybella on February 24, 2004, at 12:22:35
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- UPDATED update, posted by Fallen4myT on February 23, 2004, at 23:33:56
I was so sorry to read your message because it sounded so like me when I was using ambien. It is such a seductive drug. Even though I have been clean for 11/2 months and I know how miserable I was when I was using it, I still crave it because I felt so rested when I was on it. Never mind that I was a walking zombie. I know if I had some again, I would probably go downhill very fast. I wish you the best on your journey. It is hard.
Posted by twainesworld on February 24, 2004, at 13:00:13
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- UPDATED update, posted by Fallen4myT on February 23, 2004, at 23:33:56
Hey Fallen ~
I know it seems like it will NEVER end, and you will NEVER be free of this manacle called Ambien (and Valium too) -- but, eventually you WILL BE! You just have to take 'baby steps' -- otherwise you will panic and go back up in your dose, and that's not what you want. Even if you only cut a sliver off one of your pills a night, that's better than taking too little too quick, and then taking too much the next week!! Here's what gave me some 'comfort' when I was trying to lower my Vicodin dose --- I felt like as long as I had 'some' in my system (even if it was a lot less than what I FELT like I needed), I knew I would be ok. Eventually that "some" got smaller & smaller, and I realized I was still 'ok'! Nevermind the lowering, RIGHT NOW your most important task is to stop taking MORE during the times when you feel like you've had a lot of stress!!! THAT is what's going to set you back, and make it even HARDER to quit!! How about taking a week to stabilize yourself on a SET dose, and feeling comfortable & secure on that before you continue with your tapering!? I think that is FARRR more important for you!! You KNOW in your head that you WILL be ok on the amount you're on -- and you REALLY don't NEED to take more! I KNOW it's hard, and I REALLY am not trying to act like it's simple -- I'm just trying to give you some sort of 'comfort' to hang onto when you feel like you are stressin', and you "think" you need more!!! You don't!! Maybe you don't need to take LESS that day, or that week -- but you DEFINITELY don't need to take MORE!!! Eventually, in time (no hurry, take it slow) you will feel secure enough to start lowering again. But, for now, stick to a comfortable (reasonable) dose, and don't worry about the tapering for awhile! YOU WILL GET THRU THIS!!! Focus on your goal of being FREE and feeling SOOO much better (not to mention that awful trapped & panicked feeling we 'junkies' feel when we are worried about not having enough on hand, etc.), and if you want it bad enough (and I KNOW you do), it will be enough to get you to the 'other side'!!
I am always thinking of you, my friend -- and I am always here........... :o)
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 24, 2004, at 20:22:13
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- UPDATED update, posted by Mandybella on February 24, 2004, at 12:22:35
Thank you Mandybella, I know I messed up but have not passed over 20 mgs ..still its all addiction so :( I think if I had had time off the drug without sleep I would have been able to quit. For me its more mind than body I take it only at bed but now in my head think its the only way I will sleep..such a mess I know ;-/
hugs
Posted by Fallen4myT on February 24, 2004, at 20:29:06
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- UPDATED update » Fallen4myT, posted by twainesworld on February 24, 2004, at 13:00:13
You are right and mirror back what my doc set out to do which was he actually upped my dose and wants me on 1 higher but always dose over the zig zag way I take it. It makes it easier I guess to taper it then....but I dont know stress hit U freaked and I messed up in all ways when that happened. I am now on less than he wants,. I have a hard time trusting docs...but ya know I was right he did give me 2 refills..thats in another thread,..and thanks for always being here..I do not see you on psych just in here..and I havent been in here..A friend of mine gave me Vicodin ...I take it thats very bad?
HUGS
Posted by Fallen4myT on March 8, 2004, at 0:32:38
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- UPDATED update » twainesworld, posted by Fallen4myT on February 24, 2004, at 20:29:06
I AM doing so so messed up last night after a day of &%$# WITH hubby and did twice the dose....otherwise I have done ok...damn I hate that I keep messing up and I mixed codine with it and still hardly slept
Posted by twainesworld on March 18, 2004, at 20:06:06
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- MARCH UPDATE, posted by Fallen4myT on March 8, 2004, at 0:32:38
Hi Fallen ~
SO sorry I haven't posted back -- my Dad died unexpectedly, and I haven't been on the 'puter much since.
I am REALLY glad to hear you are doing so well!!! Only messing up twice is GREAT, considering how you were doing before, so I think you have a LOT to be proud of!!! KEEP IT UP!!!! :o)
Try to remember that if you & hubby are fighting or some other emotional thing is going on in your life, it's GOING to be harder for you to get to sleep anyway (which is NORMAL), so taking twice the dose PLUS Codeine (or anything else) won't help you sleep...just make you feel crappy!! Don't forget that it's OK if you don't sleep sometimes -- it won't hurt you!!!
Hang in there! You're doing good!!! Post again soon, ok?
Thinkin' about ya...............
Posted by Fallen4myT on March 18, 2004, at 22:39:55
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP- MARCH UPDATE » Fallen4myT, posted by twainesworld on March 18, 2004, at 20:06:06
Aw Twain :*( I am so sorry about your dad and so concerned about you now. I think it so sweet you took the time to even post to me you must be so depressed. I lost both my mom and dad, its been years but I know how hard it can be and am JUST beyond finding the words I wish I had to express my deepest heartfelt sympathy :( You have a sweet and kind heart and I know it aches and that makes me sad.
BUT...I am please to be blessed with my cheerleader friend cheering me on. I do have those nighs and mess up but they are less and less and have pretty well stayed at the dose my doc put me on. This is, one of the hardest things I have had to do...kick a drug I am kinda hooked on and balance my sleep so I can function..I am grateful to have you on my side and I am here for you anytime you need a friend too you know that don't you?
HUGS GALORE AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 2, 2004, at 21:03:10
In reply to Re: AMBEIN I THINK I NEED HELP-update, posted by Fallen4myT on February 8, 2004, at 22:48:56
So now I am cuting down on my valium along with my Ambein I have a week free so to speak and figure if I look or feel aweful who cares :) So far...so good
Twain if you read this I am way worried about you and miss you
hugs
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Substance Use | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.