Insomnia

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Ambien, if taken as directed(prn or "as needed") it's unlikely to become habit forming but the problem is that people use it everyday as "maintenance" to get to sleep and build tolerance and then it's very likely to be habit forming. My ex-wife fell into this trap. It can be the same with something more benign such as Benadryl too.

You state Ambien is not addictive but immediately follow saying you're less susceptible to habituation and then quote an article that says your UNLIKELY to become dependent. That's just one MD answering a question, there's lots of info out there about Ambien habituation.

[mcski]

In addition habituation, there is concern about drug accumulation in the system causing other problems. Particularly w memory and confusion in older folk. I saw this affect my father in subtle and not so subtle ways. It's still one of the best sleep aids, but nothing is perfect. If the insomnia is that much of a problem better to spend some time figuring out the root cause whether it be anxiety or something else physical.

[GeezerSteve]

Well, it begs the definitions of "addiction" and "habituation," but the scientific consensus is that Ambien is not addictive (notwithstanding the Internet folklore), thus my response to gonzo's claim. Virtually anything can be habit-forming and/or abused, including Benadryl. In my personal experience, antihistamine sleeping aids pose a bigger threat to my health than Ambien. YMMV

[NW_SKIER]

OP. Have you tried sleeping with some sort of white noise in the background? I sleep much better with a fan by my bed. Trying to fall asleep in dead silence is almost impossible for me. Every little sound gives me a shot of adrenaline keeps me awake.

[hutash]

First off go to a good sleep MD, not your run of the mill GP, who is most likely just going to try various pills.

Everybody responds to various pills in various ways, as evident in this thread.

Life style is a huge issue with insomnia and can be difficult to peg down. For myself, stress is a major insomnia issue, even when I don't think I'm am stressed. Exercise is another big issue for me, at most people. Not enough is the obvious issue for most Americans, so get out and exercise. For me, I recently found that I have been over exercising and it causes some of my insomnia. I have backed off on intensity and sleep better.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Addiction the chronic, compulsive need for a substance or activity. I guess the millions of people dependent on Ambien around the world aren't addicted to it?

Why are there so many articles about the symptoms and dangers of Ambien withdrawal? Would you equate withdrawal from a substance part of addiction?

[AK47bp]

Addiction the chronic, compulsive need for a substance or activity. I guess the millions of people dependent on Ambien around the world aren't addicted to it?

Why are there so many articles about the symptoms and dangers of Ambien withdrawal? Would you equate withdrawal from a substance part of addiction?

Whoa whoa! Let's not use the "A" word here to describe Ambien. Big Pharma no likey the A word.


Soften it a bit to "it may be habit forming"

From someone who' been addicted to "non-addictive" drugs before. Fuck that.

[GeezerSteve]

Addiction vs. Dependence

[MagnificentUnicorn]

No shit, I watched my ex get consumed by dependence on "non-addictive" prescription drugs, Ambien among them. Like a lot of people, she thought that because it was prescription, everything was "OK".

To flatly state that Ambien is not addictive is a bit irresponsible IMO.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Addiction vs. Dependence

I think when most people talk about addiction they're talking about both addiction and dependence.

Why are you so insistent that Ambien is not addictive? I don't take Ambien but I know several people that have had problems with the drug if used over long periods. The handout that come with it says it should only be used for 7-10 days or only occasionally. It also says to tell your provider if you have problems with addiction or dependence.

[GeezerSteve]

Why are you so insistent that Ambien is evil?

Actually, I'm not being insistent about anything. I merely cited the Mayo Clinic, which IMO is a better authority than you.

Like a lot of people, she thought that because it was prescription, everything was "OK".

WTF? Why the hell do they require prescriptions for certain drugs? Answer: Because they they have the potential for abuse, misuse, dependence or addiction.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

It isn't evil, it is overprescribed, over used and does have a high potential for abuse in a lot of individuals. To state that it is not addictive or have the potential for abuse or dependency is flat out wrong.

Again why are you so insistent it's basically harmless? Do you take it a lot?

[GeezerSteve]

To state that it is [does not] have the potential for abuse or dependency is flat out wrong.

I did not say that. I merely cited the Mayo Clinic that it is not addictive. But, hey, what the fuck does the Mayo Clinic know because you're the expert.

Again why are you so insistent it's basically harmless?

I did not say that.

[GeezerSteve]

To flatly state that Ambien is not addictive is a bit irresponsible IMO.

Take up that issue with the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Wright.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

I did not say that. I merely cited the Mayo Clinic that it is not addictive. But, hey, what the fuck does the Mayo Clinic know because you're the expert.

I did not say that.

Take up that issue with the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Wright.

The Mayo Clinic didn't say anything, Dr. Eric Olsen did. You stated that Ambien was not addictive, in post #27 of this thread. I'm not an expert but I can read and understand what the folks at the FDA and the manufacturers of zolpidem says and that they caution against the long term use of the drug and that it has the potential for abuse and dependence. Dr. Olsen in your link didn't say Ambien wasn't addictive, he said it was less likely that one would become addicted or dependent and caution against long term use.

Are you an expert? What you did was pick the first item that popped up in a Google search that agreed with your stance so you proclaimed that Ambien is not addictive.

Is there the remotest possibility that you would ever admit to being wrong?

[mtngirl79]

I use to have a huge insomnia issue.

Now I have no Internet at home besides phone and no TV. That improves things about 75%. Breaking the cycle also helps and now it's rare I get less than 7 hours.

[KQ]

Its ruined my life since high school. Last year and a half with 7 nights a week of 10mg Ambien was like being born again. Unbelievable energy. Lately it stopped working. Got switched to Atvian. It doesn't seem to do much of anything. I had 2.5mg 30 min ago and couldnt count sheep long enough. Wondering if taking another .5 is a bad idea, or if taking an Ambien is a good idea.

Any other long time insomniacs outthere? What worked best for you

If left to your own devices, not taking a sleep aid, what time would you fall asleep and wake or do you simply not sleep? Wondering if it's a case of your circadian rhythms being off?

Having suffered for as long as you have I'm sure you've tried all the usual things like, no naps, dim lights in the evening, no stimulates after a certain time of day, avoid exercise/eating close to bed time, investing in a good mattress etc. etc.

Hutash had good advice - go to a sleep specialist rather than throw more drugs at the issue before you explore other options.

[riser4]

Melatonin givs me teh horrid dreamz, Everybody dies in a gruesome manner.

[Gcooker]

Interesting the way the "addictive", "habit forming" and "dependance" thing can spun. Heroin is addictive, physically and mentally. Nicotine same thing. Pot is not "addictive" in one sense but I sure as hell am addicted to the resulting feeling after smoking. I could see someone being "addicted" to finally getting some sleep. So could it be said that the result of taking Ambien is addictive?

[teletripper]

Cronic insomniac here for years. I've had to mix things up to get any sort of quality sleep, sometimes valium/xanax but have found that indica is as effective as either of the former. Nothing has ever worked for me for more then a few weeks and I'm back where I started. Guess I don't need more then 3 hours I night.

[AK47bp]

Interesting the way the "addictive", "habit forming" and "dependance" thing can spun. Heroin is addictive, physically and mentally. Nicotine same thing. Pot is not "addictive" in one sense but I sure as hell am addicted to the resulting feeling after smoking. I could see someone being "addicted" to finally getting some sleep. So could it be said that the result of taking Ambien is addictive?

Then I'm addicted to taking dumps.

[GeezerSteve]

I could see someone being "addicted" to finally getting some sleep. So could it be said that the result of taking Ambien is addictive?

Maybe, although I think what's going on here is that some people are applying a loose definition of "addiction." I am certainly no expert but, despite AW's false assertion, I have done past research on the matter. The experts I've consulted say that Ambien is not addictive, although, as with many drugs, some people might develop some level of dependence on it.

Here's another source: Can You Become Addicted to Ambien? . . . Experts say no -- if its used as directed.

You stated that Ambien was not addictive, in post #27 of this thread.

To make you feel better I edited the post to note the qualifier that my statement is per my consultation with 3 MDs and other sources.

What you did was pick the first item that popped up in a Google search that agreed with your stance so you proclaimed that Ambien is not addictive.

No. That is a false statement. I don't put a drug in my body without first doing some research, which I have, including but not limited to discussing the specific issue with 3 MDs, each of whom advise that Ambien is not addictive.

If you want to apply your personal definition of "addiction," then all sorts of things are addictive. As I said in my follow up post, questions of addiction often beg the definition of "addiction" and "dependency."

[Tippster]

Question to the insomniacs: How much time do you spend either in front of the computer or television before going to bed (or even in bed?) I have read several articles that say the light coming from a monitor fucks up your sleep cycle because it's basically daylight.

Also - once you fall asleep could you get in a full 8 hours (if your schedule allowed) or do you wake up every hour or two?

[abraham]

Tipp is your icon from something like an international school for film and broadcasting? It looks like something I saw today and that's all I can think of that could match.

[Tippster]

Tipp is your icon from something like an international school for film and broadcasting? It looks like something I saw today and that's all I can think of that could match.

I found it on the internet searching "TV Cameraman." Shit, I've had this icon since the PowMag days.