My Concerns About Ambien and Your Brain

[@vz16881981]

I've been taking ambien for one year every single night. I am on day 3 of not taking it. The first night was brutal, the second night was better bc I actually got some sleep. Last night was okay too. I implemented CBT techniques that I learned on the Insomnia Coach podcast with Martin Reed. I have a history of addiction and began to notice that I was getting addicted to the euphoric feeling that ambien was giving me so I was determined to get off of it. Bc of the history of addiction I could not wean off, I had to go cold turkey. So far so good with the last two nights. The quality of natural sleep is much different than sleep produced by ambien. I am waking up clear headed and feel rested. I highly recommend the Insomnia Coach podcast, it certainly helped me.

[@bonneybrown6275]

Ambien is addictive and will eventually lead to dementia

[@sl4983]

​@@bonneybrown6275Worry about yourself.

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@vz16881981 I used lithium orotate to help me get off Ambien. My side effects with Ambien were horrible knee pain, vein insufficiency in my legs and glaucoma. No joke! It was ruining my health.

[@MattDeadlifts]

Ambien to me is a miracle. My quality of life is much better being able to sleep

[@Adam6t]

without it 70% patients with chad schizophrenia etc could commit suicide. this zolpidem prevent milions of people from death. Of course doctors dont like it , because it works and is cheap

[@faheeta5036]

If you build up a tolerance, it will be a nightmare.

[@MattDeadlifts]

@@faheeta5036 i have been on it for years. Can you elaborate ?

[@Keep-on-ok]

Ambien 10mg. Extened Release has started to cause me joint pain! Not minor joint pain. The pain has started to cause me to use a cane! I am going to stop using it!

[@sl4983]

Ambien is the Bomb!!!

[@Spork123able]

I've had severe insomnia for years and it is the worst....once i wake up almost impossible to get back to sleep. I've been taking 20mg Ambien for the last year or so, but never get more than 5 1/2 to 6 hours, sometimes less, so still feel exhausted, and have to concentrate at a stressful job. I'm sure what you mentioned about high cortisol does affect me greatly. I try to physically exhaust myself as well, which does seem to help. Would love to get off Ambien, but i need to sleep...a vicious cycle.

[@ValentinaAnastasia]

I feel your pain.

[@Elijah8890]

I’ll pray for you

[@bdoon51]

That sucks. I was there but driving, shooting gun, running red lights, endangering others due to Ambien I have switched to Tradzadone

[@sl4983]

20 mg? Does your doctor prescribe 1-2 per night? Mine does.

[@teriwrong]

I am 72 with long standing insomnia possibly related to idiopathic hypersomnia. I could teach the class on CBT-I. Melatonin does nothing, nor does seroquel, mirtazapine, Zyprexa. I hate that my sleep dr has turned my insomnia over to my psychiatrist bc he’s never even heard of idiopathic hypersomnia. I always fall asleep quickly but cannot stay asleep. Ambien sometimes works, sometimes not. I accept that at least I’m “resting” when I don’t sleep but after 5-6 nights of very fragmented sleep, I’m nearly psychotic. I find sleep meditation music annoying so I listen to books on tape. Fall asleep quickly but wake up w/in an hr and repeat all night long. This lack of sleep is definitely affecting my physical health. Got Long Covid, now have pulmonary embolisms. Even though I feel relaxed when I go to be and have good sleep hygiene no Dr will help me! I’m not depressed, I’m not anxious, I just cannot stay asleep. 2-3 nights of this is ok but after that I become very teary and obviously exhausted.

[@brittanyb5942]

Same!

[@sl4983]

What do you mean, "no doctor will help you"?

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@teriwrong Check out lithium orotate. It’s over the counter, just a mineral that we all need.

[@caitlinsoliman1658]

Hugs! Mine is very similar.

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@teriwrong Try vitamin B1 and NAC. Good for sleep.

[@markgoodwin183]

I have been taking Ambien for 15 years but only 2 or 3 times a month when I am desperate for shut eye. No issues. I hope that's okay.

[@sl4983]

Lol. Everyone likes to vilify ambien. I've had no issues either, other than finally getting great sleep. Thank you for being honest.

[@rgh622]

15 years here. Nightly for 10 years. No known issues with me, all good 👍

[@sherindumond4290]

I think they need to stop with daylight savings time

[@eileengleeson7851]

Thank you Karen 💚

[@mallardtheduck406]

I am 44 year's old, I believe this is all great information and education. I am a cancer survivor, have PTSD and Severe Insomnia, I also have Petit-Mal & a few Grand -Mal seizures. I have taken Ambien since it was pushed by drug Reps. I have never had any problems with abuse, or suicidal thoughts. I absolutely hate Melatonin, I have taken this quick dissolve tablet that tastes like wild cherries....makes me wanna puke. I have taken the oral tablets as well, it will make you sleepy like eating a turkey dinner (tryptophan, ) I believe. If it's not broke, don't fix it. Amboen works for me, but it doesn't mean that it will work for everyone.

[@sl4983]

Ambien has been a godsend for me. It's a brilliant medicine.

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@mallardtheduck406 Try lithium orotate. It’s just a mineral and has a relaxing effect. I love it.

[@volunteer9999]

I’ve been on Ambien for 65 years since 1970 till now I wanna get off I’m gonna try every other day and then every third day maybe I need a muscle relaxer I don’t know I’ll talk to my doctor thank you for your help

[@ScottDieken]

Soma or Xanax

[@edwinreid980]

Don't lie. Ambien only came onto the market in the 90's.

[@joadkison]

@@edwinreid980 yes, Ambien was FDA approved in 1992. I was prescribed 10 mg per night for bad insomnia and have been on it every night for at least 20 years. It does help me get 4-5 hours of sleep per night but it has been giving me severe rebound anxiety the next day

[@sl4983]

65 years?

[@sl4983]

@@edwinreid980 yes that was odd

[@tanukibrahma]

Thank you for this informative video. I’m 69 and I was desperate to get sleep. I had used benzos for some years and then had gradually gotten off of them for several more (without any difficulty). I don’t have addiction issues. But my insomnia returned with incessant rumination, so my doctor prescribed 5 mg Ambien which I’ve been using nightly for over a month without any issues that you mention. I’ll try the melatonin you recommend, though I’ve tried it in the past without much success.

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@tanukibrahma have you tried lithium orotate? I use it to get great sleep and it has no side effects.

[@sl4983]

I think melatonin is overrated

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@sl4983 melatonin does not work for me.

[@tanukibrahma]

@@Keep-on-ok Very interesting. Thanks!

[@sherindumond4290]

I have had chronic insomnia forever and have been on ambien i have done a sleep study even when i am sleeping my brain does not shut down

[@gabrielle2dream559]

I've been dealing with insomnia for at least 11 years. [ never been a great sleeper ] Ambien had helped me sleep, therefore I can work. No nighttime surprises....but i have been known to snack.

[@Smileyouralive]

I'm the same way 😢

[@ScottDieken]

I didn't sleep study and they told me I was sleeping when I'm 100% positive I didn't sleep a wink

[@Irishcat313]

I have been on Ambien since it came on the market, originally to treat circadian rhythm disorder. When I sleep no longer matters, but I do experience horrific nightmares when I don't take it. I'll take my chances on the side effects (which I have not experienced) over the night terrors.

[@bdoon51]

Wait until you wake up 10 miles from home wrecking your car

[@sl4983]

Amen

[@Cruiser007]

I'm 65 & a Truck Driver, I've been taking Ambien for over 10 years. I usually take about 3mg & it puts me out in about 10 mins. I never had any side effects. It's been a life saver for me. It's all about moderation. Thank you for the very informative video👍

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

3 mg seems like a good amount, if I were you I'd never go higher than that.

[@jrzyboy76]

I work rotating shifts and it has been a life saver for me as well. I've taken it every day for almost 18 years now and it's the only way I can deal with the weekly day/night shift changes. Most people just drink to deal with it but I'm a non drinker.

[@davecollins2128]

Funny / scary story: In September, 2014 when I was 59 I was taking Ambien every night. I often rode my bicycle early in the morning before work. At the 6 mile point in a 12 mile loop I noticed I was rather chilly. I looked down and realized I was not wearing shorts! Just my underwear! Two weeks later, I was biking in the dark (with lights / reflective gear), and was hit by a car that pulled out in front of me. I think I probably could’ve stopped in time, but was delayed - by the Ambien. I was also taking Gabapentin, so I was seriously impaired. I was hurt, but eventually made a full recovery. I’ve stopped all of that and I’m way better off now!

[@fernandograziano6871]

😂😂😂 you are a funny guy I would be your friend

[@assistantverma]

I began to have mild psychosis and severe ominous mood swings after taking Ambien for a few years and became suicidal. I stopped the Ambient and symptoms improved quickly but years later I still have the occasional mood shift and it is terrifying

[@6degreesoul]

How were you able to stop? I am trying to taper but struggling

[@Haise-san]

​@@6degreesoulYou will get the hang of it, start by splitting your pills in 3/4 of their size and discard the other 1/4, do it for a month and then increase the split to 2/4, then 3/4 then a singular grain of it for as long as you want, even if you fail on some days and take more than you should, don't be harsh on yourself and try again the next day

[@heatheral-hammadi3046]

I have been on ambien for 17-18 years and it has worked perfectly for me.

[@bluewavefilmsandmusic]

❤me too

[@sl4983]

Same! 🙌

[@sl4983]

May I ask what mg?

[@heatheral-hammadi3046]

@@sl4983I was on 5mg for about 5 years. Then I went to 10 mg and have been on that ever since.

[@AlfredoDeLaFe1]

Thank you, Dr. Sullivan for all this information that is so valuable and accurate. You are helping a lot of people God bless you. ❤

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StarringGinaAsHerself]

Very knowledgable.

[@tova3573]

Why did they give me adenosine in an IV for SVT since our body is trying to clear it out?

[@brendamozzy]

Ambien has been a nightmare for me. I took the last one two nights ago. Very weird behaviours and next morning. Example, I was up and out of bed for over an hour and realized that I had put 3 pair of pants on and only realized when I went to use the bathroom. Totally shocked because I had zero memory of doing this. I suffer PTSD from childhood, BIpolar one and ADHD & Insomnia.

[@linds777]

My friend has been on it for over 25 years.

[@tomikotomihewitt657]

I’ve been on ambien for years. I didn’t know anything about how the duration of use was addictive, or any of the other information you just gave us. Thank you! I recently found out that I have one marker of the gene that can be related to late onset Alzheimer’s. My father, grandmother, and several Aunts have died of Alzheimer’s. I’m finding out as much as I can how medications and food can affect my brain. I’m done taking ambien. Might make for tough nights ahead but it’s worth it in the long run.

[@bonneybrown6275]

Smart. I use a Melatonin gummies to allow me to start to relax and get tired . It helps me a lot

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

Pls tell me if you were able to get rid of it.

[@Keep-on-ok]

How are you doing? I’m going to stop using it too!

[@tomikotomihewitt657]

@@jukkao.parviainen8669 I’m sorry. I just saw this. Yes, I’m off Ambien. I’ve found a combination of natural supplements that work for me.

[@tomikotomihewitt657]

@@Keep-on-ok I’m doing well. Thank you for asking. I’ve been off nightly Ambien for many months. I’ll take 1/4 of a pill if I’m on vacation, or some other extenuating circumstance, for a night, but am very strict with myself.

[@sofarokintn8166]

I lost an entire weekend after I took only 1 dose of Ambien for insomnia. I took it on a Friday and then next thing I remember is waking on Monday. I have no memory of what happened Sat or Sun. Thank goodness I wasnt living alone at the time but renting a room from a friend. When the roommate and I were talking on Mon night there was mention about where we went to eat and shopping over the weekend. I had no memory of that. I never took Ambien again and never will. That was back in 2008.

[@RyanWilliams222]

That’s wild! I know people will forget what happened for a few hours, maybe even many hours, but two days?! Wow.

[@phoenixmoon3]

Man, cab I get a 1 goodnight sleep? I’m sure that was scary for you.

[@RockinTheDub]

You were probably taking more in your sleep

[@tracyfreeman3768]

Isn't that three says? My word. I want to get off it!

[@tracyfreeman3768]

My Ambien 26:32 use just use in three months has caused cognitive issues, and increased suicicial thoughts. I want to get off as soon as possible especially after watching this video. I have Severe insomnia and have had it most my life. I’m tired of being a dependent on all my different sleep meds as Ambien is that the only one i’m on. I’m going start weening myself every other day just from the Ambien to start, then every 2 andso on. Wish me luck? I know now i’m in serious trouble if I don't stop.

[@isimotmuheeb4024]

I take seroquil and I’m worried about the effects of seroquil on my brain.please enlighten me more. Thanks

[@ScottDieken]

If you start having Twitches uncontrollable muscle twitches you need to stop

[@Elijah8890]

Do not take seroquil it raises blood sugar and insulin you’ll get diabetes from that medication.

[@sl4983]

Ugh for sleep? Is that why you take it?

[@Meipmeep]

I’m on night 3 of Ambien. I slept 5 hours the first night, 4 last night and I’m still waiting for it to work 4 hours later. My brain never stops. I’m struggling with a lot more stress and multiple disabling diagnoses.

[@cj-zn9lg]

Thank you for all your work on with all your studies!! God bldss you Doctor!

[@meowmix8877]

Ive been on zoplicone for 9 years and i will say, its like someone else packs my lunch for the next day. Its always a suprise! And ny husband loves waking up with cereal stuck in his armpits. I also apparently fell asleep with a bag of mini eggs and when my hubby woke up , he thought he was covered in dog poo... 😅 whooopsie I take it to help me sleep through chronic pain.

[@livingstreams4677]

What about supplementing with GABA?

[@fvw53]

Thanks a lot for this video / I am 79 and I take Ambien (Zolpidem) the last 5 years...in two times : 5 mg before going to bed at 11h30 p.m. and 5 mg after waking up at about 3 a.m. and then I sleep another 5 to 6 hours / now I start to suspect Ambien to cause my MCI which did not get worse since when I complained about it ...also 5 years ago / the question is : if don't take Ambien will my insufficient sleep then also cause MCI ? I will of course discuss your video at my next appointment with the neurologist who prescribed Ambien

[@volunteer9999]

I only take either five or 2.50 I cut it

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

I was on Ambien for about 10 years and for those years it worked beautifully. I got 7-8 hours sleep and had great dreams etc. I tried to stop using it and whenever I tried I would not sleep at all. It then stopped working last year after I had an accident (not Ambien-related). I now have severe insomnia and am going through hell. I wish I had never taken Ambien and tried other things such as CBT at the time. At this point CBT would not work for me. My Dr just kept refilling it for many years and never warned me of the dangers. I also am feeling some cognitive issues. Don't try it if you can help it. And the irony is that initially when I went on it I only had mild insomnia, nothing too major.

[@ajames93]

What was your dose?

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

@@ajames93 I would bite off about. 3/4 of a 10 mg. pill, so approximately 7.5mg. The reason I posted is to remind people that it shouldn't be taken long term.

[@6degreesoul]

Yeah I’m with you. The doctors just write it and don’t warn you. It’s awful. I’m in the same boat right now

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

@@ajames93 10 mg but I would not take the whole pill, so I was taking about 7.5 mg

[@user-wb2yv7ll9d]

@@6degreesoul Were you also on Ambien? If so, for how long? Thanks!

[@gbarnett9470]

I am taking the melatonin you from Pure the 0.5 mg. I am amazed at how at well this works. I suspect that I was taking a brand that really did not have any melatonin in it. I ordered the weighted blanket too as a gift and it was a big win. I have been taking Lunesta for ten years. The doctor and I are tapering slowly and am down to 2mg. I wear my CPAP and it has helped with my sleep anxiety. Oxygen is an amazing thing.

[@MaryleaMemaw]

@gbarnett9470 how is it going now? Did you take the Lunesta along with the Pure melatonin? I want to get off xanax and plan to use the Pure but will discuss with my PCP first.

[@teriwrong]

I felt like I was being strangled with a weighted blanket!

[@MrBangla11]

I have heard that Ambien wakes up comatose patients and patients with disorder of consciousness. Is this true?

[@edwinreid980]

Yes. A South African doctor made the discovery.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

Yes, if you are are put in comatose condition for example after the accident to avoid your brain swelling, they wake you up with zolpidem (Ambien).

[@sl4983]

YES!!!!!

[@lbabytutorials4852]

I’ve been taking Ambien for awhile and it still doesn’t work I can actually go months without sleeping it’s actually caused my body to have seizures a few times because I was so exhausted and after a while of no sleep it feels hallucinating and it is absolute torture. I try to go to the gym too because it used to help me sleep better now when I go it’s not working anymore I’m concerned I tell my doctor but there is really not much he can do

[@Vvokhalid]

clonazepam for me is way way stronger than zolpidem for sleep, but be careful it's very addicting and actually even lasts for more than 40 hours however there are other benzodiazepines that are way more powerful like rohypnol or xanax could also be used to help anxiety related insomnia but these should be really used carefully, however I don't suggest any of those, hope you get better

[@davidsplan4409]

Have you any information on Lunesta addictions?

[@shellwallace10]

What about cortisol? How do you get rid of that. I have insomnia also. How can we get off of ambien.

[@edwinreid980]

Exercise

[@sl4983]

Taper down

[@marcydobbs1653]

Ambien stole an entire summer from me. My short term memory disappeared while allowing me tglitches. I went off it cold turkey. That was over 15 years ago. My short term memory still has glitches.

[@May-kv5gr]

Dear doctor Sullivan, thank you so much for making these videos. I learned so much about brain health from them. Could you please consider doing one about "Lexapro and the Brain"? I am particularly interested in how it might affect children long term, as I know kids who have been taking them. Thank you in advance!!

[@kudzu01]

Does Ambien have to be taken every night? I have multiple sleep difficulties every night, but if I could just take something once or twice a week for a nice restful night’s sleep, I think I could cope with the other nights.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

Don’t take Ambien, your life will be after that all the way to the basement. The tolerance goes up and you might end up taking 15 pills of 10 mg per night and that’s not the end, you start to feel anxious in the morning and start to take Ambien during the day.

[@razorgg]

A friend of mine over 60 i think she takes it every night for years, i have tried to suggest it should only be used rarely, and sleep hygiene but , i sent her this , but as Ben Franklin said if had more time i would write a shorter letter. i strongly suggest you do a you tube 3 min, summarize your main points, this is way too long i am sure she and most people will not watch it,. You must know in school when you take 12 page paper to 3 pages it is much better.

[@SaintRaphel]

I am a Marine vet and ambien helps along with sleep hygiene

[@sl4983]

@@SaintRaphel it's a godsend

[@markgoodsmith7229]

I was prescribed Ambien for anxiety induced insomnia (dying parents). I was on it 6 weeks. In that short time I was addicted to it. Getting off it took some time. I then developed brain zaps. These are like electrical discharges in your head. They have gradually reduced in frequency. They stop when I open my eyes. Is that weird or what. After a year I still get woken up with them. And I still wake up every hour and a half. Tylenol PM helps, but I worry about the side effects of that. Sleep remains a frustrating experience for me.

[@LouellaMagtajas]

Hi Sir, did you taper or stopped cold turkey? Where there any other withdrawal symptoms?

[@markgoodsmith7229]

Tapered. Started having insomnia almost immediately after tapering.

[@LouellaMagtajas]

@@markgoodsmith7229 Did your sleep get better?

[@jolenecreech7648]

Basically, be responsible when asking for and taking a dose of Ambien, just like you should with any OTHER medications. Why should I not be granted a prescription because of those irresponsible people out there that do mix their drugs? I get so much more enjoyment in my life (as a senior citizen) after having a good-night’s sleep. I do practice sleep hygiene, I take a dose, and I prepare to sleep. It is very easy when you follow the rules on your prescription bottle. Don’t deprive me of deep sleep because of those patients that abuse the drug. Senior citizens are more likely than younger people to fall and break a bone whether they take Ambien or not.

[@sl4983]

​@@jolenecreech7648EXACTLY!!

[@cs9742]

Ambien helps me. Because of my job I’m often up late into the night. I was sleeping 2-3 hours a day/night.

[@sl4983]

It's a godsend.

[@Smileyouralive]

I was prescribed Ambien 12 years ago and i have taken it every single night. I hate it but cant sleep without it. I will get twitching and brain zaps. I have tried to taper off but I cant sleep without it. Im scared of getting sick and now I think im addicted to it. Nobody warned me of all the sude effects. I didnt even have insomnia to begin with not even sure why Dr prescribed it for me and silly me i started to take it trusting her. I really regret it.

[@Haise-san]

Bro, you will get the hang of it, start by splitting your pills in 3/4 of their size and discard the other 1/4, do it for a month and then increase the split to 2/4, then 3/4 then a singular grain of it for as long as you want, even if you fail on some days and take more than you should, don't be harsh on yourself and try again the next day

[@LivHard]

I’m 69 and been on Zolpidem for 5 years. No side effects, but I am concerned about dependency. I’ve explored CBT-I, but waiting lists are long and the treatment is cost prohibitive (doctors do not accept Medicare patients). Are on-line CBT-I treatments effective?

[@sl4983]

What's CBT -I?

[@nyckolaus]

Thank you, Dr. Sullivan.

[@ench1951]

I take half a pill or 5 mg everytime I need to sleep week maximum of 1 to 2 Times a week amd maybe Max of 6 Times a month. Is this frequently bad or addicting?

[@bluewavefilmsandmusic]

I don't think so

[@sl4983]

No, that's actually pretty good.

[@GenX1969]

I can’t imagine someone getting a placebo affect from ambien. lol!! Ambien kicks my butt

[@patriciax8311]

watching while on an ambien dose. My God I would love to be in your garden£

[@christopherallen1107]

I’ve been taking ambien for 10, before the Lunesta. I’ve been on 10 mg since the beginning and it has worked pretty good for a long time. I knew it worked because on nights I didn’t sleep I would ding the pill on the floor or stuck in the pill Nov in the morning. Also to note I have never had bad side affects from any medication. The last couple years the effectiveness has need hit or miss. I’m finding that more and more it isn’t working. I’ve added melatonin, lemon balm and tryptophan and Benadryl at night to help with not consistent improvement. I’m afraid to stop because the idea of not sleeping for more than a couple days is not a pleasant thought.

[@alexwallace6120]

I war son Ambien for over a year and helped me sleep. Then started to be less effective , and now I'm taking a 500cg. pill of Melatonin, which is still helping. I did try many things over the years for sleep, Fron Benzodiazepins, ant-depressants,and ant-pychotics. Some helped and some cause side-effects. The Benzodiazepine did work the best the DR. don't to prescribed for long periods, like they used to. I was happy with Doxepin, yet as an older person, the Dr. doesn't to give it, Trazadone helped then a problem, Mirtazapine helped and then a problem, I was recently on 50 mg Seroquel, at bedtime. had a good dreams and sleep, now after 4 months I have Tardia Dyskenia.

[@cris_miko]

I was first prescribed zolpidem tartrate 30 years ago and have taken it more often than not. I have never experienced any side effects and had always awakened alert. That is until i had sleep apnea. I started CPAP 8 weeks ago. Now I want to taper off and try your recommended melatonin (large doses gave me nightmares), but I have anxiety over the process. Is there online therapy that can help? My area has very limited resources in neuropsychology. There are few neurologists unless you need brain surgery. My sleep Dr is a pulmonary nurse.

[@bluewavefilmsandmusic]

Watching you tube music videos or reading helps me fall asleep

[@christinepaulson4196]

Are you familiar with the Sleep Reset program? It says it is a CBT-I sleep program. Was wondering if you know anyone who has gone through it.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

I don't but CBT-I is very effective.

[@BabyTreasures]

My sleep doctor recently prescribed Ambien, but I am extremely hypersensitive to it somehow. Since realizing that a 5mg pill has far too much of an effect on me, I've tried dividing the pills as small as possible, and I've only been taking 1/3 of a 5mg pill and only on Saturday nights. It still gives me additional fatigue and cognitive impairment for days after taking it. It's Monday, I've had around 4 cups of coffee followed by an energy drink with 257mg of caffeine, and I still feel like I've had no caffeine at all today. I'm wondering if this could be an indication of something with my brain, like perhaps too much GABA activity before the addition of Ambien. ??

[@sl4983]

Are you going to bed early enough?

[@ScottDieken]

Soma is a muscle relaxer and it works great for sleep and it's by far the best muscle relaxer

[@JamieSweat]

As a teacher I need sleep and ambian helps me sleep for 5 hours at least

[@memycellsandi]

Doctor, I have interrupted sleep (4 time a night waking up) due to environmental noises for the last two years. It's tiring but moving means $10,000 extra expense for every year. Is there a last damage risk if I continue to live under this condition for another year? Is it worth paying extra or will my brains recover from the potential damage another year will do? Thanks!

[@sl4983]

Earplugs

[@Adam6t]

after hundrets of years of developing medicine the best sleep cure is beer. maybe this is a problem

[@LittleliaExcision340]

Yes hi

[@katyee888]

Thank you, Dr. Sullivan for this wonderful video. I just threw out all the zolpidem extended release tablets I had in my house. I took it last night and it was a fitful night of not very good sleep. I think the regular zolpidem 5 mg tablets are better but I rarely take them at all. I am 66 yrs old and have had insomnia off and on for over a year and follow sleep hygiene guideliness and take doxepin 10 mg and my doctor added gabapentin (400 - 600 mg - which I may not want to take for very long). Those helped me a lot.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

You are very welcome!

[@sl4983]

Aww what a shame! 😦

[@AprilHolder-sd3qg]

I enjoyed watching this video. I learned a lot of useful information about Ambien that I didn't know before.

[@brittanyb5942]

I just started taking Ambien about 2 weeks ago and I’m finding that I only get maybe 5 hrs of sleep a night. I wake up at 4am and struggle to go back to sleep.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

So take the next dose, and that’s when you get into the spiral of taking it more and more. You start to feel that you need to take it also during the day.

[@sl4983]

​@@jukkao.parviainen8669no you don't.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

I tried both Ambien and melatonin. Ambien is alright, but melatonin makes me dream "crispy" and awake refreshed. Long time insomnia sufferer + sleep apnea.

[@tyreechiejackstone7379]

I've been taking DPH and other types of OTC trash for years to get to sleep without drinking alcohol. Do you consider Ambien better or worse than those chemicals for your brain?

[@bdoon51]

Worse sleep walking and driving will kill you

[@sl4983]

DPH and over the counter are heavy duty and more toxic on the body.

[@heatheral-hammadi3046]

As someone suffering from Misophonia I want to watch this video so bad but cannot. All the lip smacking and nasal breathing inhibits me to do so

[@terrijsm]

I started taking ambien 18 years ago after my husband died ..I have im sure built a tolerance to the drug ..I'm 65 now I dont have much of any of the side effects now but 18years ago I did ..I haven't taken it for a week now because I really don't think it helps anymore ..I sleep mayne 3 hours a night ..I have a very physical job and have no problem doing that ...

[@lindawilson2589]

My problem is I can't fall off that cliff (to sleep). I am in my early 60's so it would be great if they would make a 7.5mg dose.

[@sl4983]

So you take 3/4 of a 10 mg.

[@jwbail2334]

Doctors, unfortunately, put all their patients in categories. I have been taking sleep meds for years. Since I am now 69 my Dr. Is telling me before I retire, (the doctor, not me) they will have to stop my sleep meds, she is worried what my NEXT Dr.will think.🤔 I may be 69 but I am also hypervigilant. I have neuropathy pain & take neurontin. The neurologist I went to said he would be asleep at his desk if he took as much neurontin as I take and the only thing it does for me is keep the pain low enough so I can drive, I still have pain but it is manageable. My Dr is not taking into consideration how wired I am. It makes me angry that Drs Don't seem to see people over 65 as individuals, you are a category. I would like to know if anyone else reading this has run into being lumped into a category because they are over 65.

[@bethkailukaitis3921]

I agree. Everyone, regardless of age, should be given the consideration on a case by case basis.

[@sl4983]

Oh my gosh!!

[@raallen1468]

Ambien turned me into a sleepwalker. Woke up one morning & found a bag of chips in my bed. I never eat in bed. The morning that, I found my car running in the garage, I went off Ambien cold-turkey!

[@RyanWilliams222]

Yikes to the car running in the garage! That’s a recipe for dying of carbon monoxide poisoning! 😳

[@raallen1468]

@@RyanWilliams222 That garage was not attached to the house, fortunately. Or, I wouldn't be "here" today. My new home does have an attached garage, but, I don't take Ambien. I do know what you're telling me!

[@stephaniesteed7653]

@@raallen1468how did it go stopping cold turkey? I have only been on it for five months but I swear it’s made me depressed and my anxiety is so bad. I only started it because I was trying to fix my delayed sleep disorder from night shift to day. I am not comfortable staying on this med and wanted to try and taper but cold turkey is an option to. Please let me know and thank you.

[@stephaniesteed7653]

@@raallen1468how did it go stopping cold turkey? I have been on ambien for five months at 10 mg but I want to stop.

[@raallen1468]

@@stephaniesteed7653 I had no issues/side effects that I can remember. That's why I feel that Ambien was not working for like as advertised.... I would advise you to discuss this with your Dr. as any drug affects each person differently.

[@skymiller530]

😢 THE PROBLEM HERE is that, though some of your beliefs are correct. Some of them are not. My sleep insomnia has gone on for eight years. I have crossed over to a problem that has not been researched. It's not the same as what people have, that have been affected with insomnia for a much shorter amount of time.

[@thomaslau9631]

Drug companies hate this woman.

[@SondraHonrine]

So much appreciate your videos. Has taught me so much. Question. I ordered the melatonin you suggested but what is the dozes recommended.

[@patriciamckay9460]

I completely agree with you on this.

[@6degreesoul]

I have been taking ambien for 8 years and I'm having memory problems and mental health issues. I am young and healthy but I feel this is affecting my life. I wish there was more info out there about NOT taking it for this long. My doctors kept prescribing it and now I can't sleep without it and I believe it's the cause of many of my issues I am currently having in my life.

[@Keep-on-ok]

I have been taking it for at least 3 years. I am going to stop taking it because I just discovered it can cause joint pain. My joints are killing me!

[@6degreesoul]

Yes I definitely recommend stopping it sooner than later

[@sl4983]

​@@Keep-on-okI've taken it for 20 and no issues at all.

[@Keep-on-ok]

@@sl4983 I very happy for you. I do like it but it doesn’t like me. It was causing me to have to use a walker or a cane just to get from one room to another! Now I walk 30 minutes at the park! It’s only been about a week since I stopped taking it so I feel my health will only get better now.

[@br2870]

I came here because I was wondering why Dr Jacob Teitelbaum recommends ambien for fibro. After watching this I feel like it's not a good call.

[@semonebrisson2552]

I had fibro symptoms fir years and discovered that a high dose ..and long duration prescription of Valrex or Acyclovir... like what is used to treat shingles ...knocked it out. The nerve pain I had ..that acted like Fibro was coming from the cold sore virus ..that had been dormant for many years. This worked! But you must take a high enough dose for long enough to knock it down and keep it down so your immune system can take over. A REAL miracle for me. I was suffering for many years with this. Now it is gone.

[@semonebrisson2552]

If Ambien acts like Gabbapentin or Xanax, then it is dulling nerve pain. Tylenol or prescription opioid will not dull nerve pain like these other drugs will. They are pretty much useless in my opinion.

[@sl4983]

Ambien is good for other issues, not just sleep

[@annedzurnak3196]

RN here. Ambien is not recommended by nurses.

[@tbaby5650]

Good thing nurses recommendation is irrelevant

[@bluewavefilmsandmusic]

Why not?

[@sl4983]

... Why not??

[@lanascherryflvrduche]

My psychiatrist prescribed it to me when I was 17 I’m now 28….. I’ve been taking it all this time to get high off it and it’s the best kind of high to me I’m pretty sure I’m addicted since I’m in Pakistan I can just buy it online without prescription I’m so beyond scared cause it makes me say and do shit I’d never do without it I take like maybe 6 a day it’s so bad for me I’m high alllll the time it’s so so good for anxiety

[@tbaby5650]

U so full of bs. . . U don't do nothing and your not 28 . U probably never took a ambien in ur life

[@foureyedchick]

5mg of Ambien (half of a 10mg tablet) and 0.5mg of Lorazepam (Ativan) taken is EXCELLENT to sleep like a baby!

[@MarkSmith-tp6zc]

I use it in the daytime as I'm desperate to quell the nerves and panic I get every single morning. It works wonders but has led me into misadventure.

[@patriciamckay9460]

I think you need to be really careful with all sleep medicines, they all can be really screwy.

[@Angie-wl6pp]

Ok .....now talk about lunesta. Also the new quivqs..... too exspensive and ineffective. Already poor result, efficacy data.

[@BaddieBeef]

I took Ambien 5mg and stayed awake all night. Im been experiencing horrible insomnia. Im scared that it didn't work is that even normal

[@annatapl]

In general, medicines that are meant to make me sleep, i.e., NyQuil, just keep me awake. I think some of us are just wired differently!

[@tweetle92]

You’re so smart and helpful! I have a chronic autoimmune disease. I was able to get a surgery after my illness responded to none of the treatments. During my course of steroids, I needed ambien and I am still on it 5 years later. I take the smallest dose possible but i believe when you say it can cause cognitive issues. I also find it super interesting and fitting that trauma causes sleep disturbances as I always described my main symptom as hypervigilence. But then again, I have had trouble sleeping since I could talk 😅 chicken or egg thing… Do GABA supplements help?

[@sl4983]

What amount to do you take at night?

[@sl4983]

I was wondering about the gaba supplements also. I don't think she answers any questions.

[@tweetle92]

@@sl49832.5-5mg

[@rajatsinha6607]

I write great corporate documents, make beautiful PowerPoint slides, and write great code on ambien.

[@annatapl]

I’ll bet you do!

[@rajatsinha6607]

@@annatapl yes ma'am 100%

[@sl4983]

Does it help you sleep?

[@rajatsinha6607]

@@sl4983 no

[@serenityq26]

Wish you were my doctor. These quacks dont know what they are doing in Florida. Will get into CBTI asap

[@bluewavefilmsandmusic]

I took some 4 years ago. The next day a roommate i had answered an ad to, called me to go see the room/ meet. Thinking that i was ok, i got in my car. Next thing I know i blacked out momentarily and hit two parked cars! Then Santa Monica police was called and they took me!!!! Other times more recently, my paranoid parents were here for months. They said i was sleepwalking and fell near my bed a few times! The other time i fell in the kitchen...!!!!! Stuff they don't tell you about before you become addicted! I was given this every night since 2006, sometimes a lot more than 1 per night

[@romano3771]

❤❤❤

[@Shandyisdandy]

This drug is NOT going to be good for anyone with actual anxiety disorders. Was on it five years. Began taking it earlier and earlier just feel halfway relaxed in the evening. Tolerance and dependencies are going to 100% develop which will sooner or later launch you into a death spiral. I just blew through a months worth in a week, a week ago. I have never gone to sleep and woke up and have done something wacky, but I've certainly had plenty of outright blackouts taking it well before I would go to sleep. Finally I took enough to launch me into total brain meltdown and apparently made a bunch of phone calls where I would apparently just repeat myself over and over along with call people back. I also had zero control over all the random stuff I was saying not maliciously, but a bunch of confidential things I can't imagine why would even be a conversation with other individuals. Withdrawals? Vomiting, headache, dread, anxiety, insomnia, and clouded thinking. Long term side effects? My insomnia was worse after developing a tolerance. I would wake up after 4 hours and not be able to sleep. Also, I began having significant short term memory issues. I would say this garbage doesn't even help you sleep per se. It just shuts off PART of your brain while the rest is running. I never felt like I was fully rested. This medication is such a double edged sword that just using it for consecutive days is bad. I could only see a use for this stuff if you havent slept in days and absolutely needed to sleep for something that needed to be done the next day.

[@sl4983]

Been on it for 20 years and it has been a godsend.

[@bdoon51]

I ran the same red light 3 mornings in a row after taking Ambien the night before. Wandered into my back yard with a loaded shotgun to stop the gremlins. Wrecked a brand new car at 3 AM ...felt compelled to drive. This last Sept, visiting. my son and his daughters, I was informed the next day I was wandering around the house at 1 AM and tried to exit the house on the 2nd floor by moving a China cabinet. My son, with his daughters in the house, confiscated my Ambien. That's it. Tradzadone doesn't work as well but a lot safer

[@elainehewitt6813]

ALL of the above for me. I curse the medical people who prescribed it and who are clueless about what it’s doing to me even though I tell them over and over again especially the suicide ideation. It gets shrugged off. Disgusting.

[@MissyYoko]

Yeah. Get right with the neurotransmitters. Find a competent naturopath. Ambien is poison.

[@sl4983]

No it's not. And what do you think is good for the neurotransmitters?

[@miname69]

👍👍👍

[@lukeAsh626]

Ambiem causes me blurry vesion even the next day

[@e.j.2578]

To say that Ambien only acts mildly better than a placebo is pure ignorance. My life in the Navy was hell before Ambien. Later in your vid, you say Ambien negatively effects cognition the next morning. You can't have it both ways. It can't both be only slightly better than a placebo and it'll fuck you up the next day. This is a conman tactic of Psychologists. You wanna get paid without actually doing anything. The drug works. This was my original post: I hate how strictly Ambien is regulated. I understand the risks associated with it. I also understand how my life is without it, even a year or more, long after it's completely out of my system. My life is dramatically better with 10 - 20 mg of Ambien a day. Of course, I can only get prescribed 10mg a day which isn't enough for me, on average.

[@Shandyisdandy]

You need to rewatch the video, your Ambien is affecting your cognitive abilities. If my Ambien addled brain is working, she was talking about a regiment along with a placebo and also only spoke about falling asleep not how long you stay asleep etc

[@sl4983]

THANK YOU SIR

[@sl4983]

DITTO to your last two sentences. I need 10-20 mg avg per night, but dr is afraid to prescribe it. My insurance co. approves the 10-20 mg with a special authorization. But I think the pharmacists are gatekeeping.

[@SamHampson1992]

I've been taking Ambien/Zolpidem here in the UK anywhere up to 100-300mg per night and still sometimes struggle to sleep. I've tried every addiction service under the sun to try and get a taper plan to reduce my usage but no one can help. It has destroyed my life, career, family and relationship.

[@JoeFriday-h9n]

100-300 my ? Wow sorry to hear that I pray for you

[@daleandrews3552]

THAT MUCH?? Wow! I thought I was misreading. How to you get a hold of that much Ambien? Even 100 mg is TEN x 10 mg tablets! You could use up a month's supply in only 3 nights. This is, of course, unless you "doctor shop", meaning seeing multiple doctors to obtain more of the same drug. Or, unless you only take that dosage of the same 'script only 3 nights per month. I've just never in my life heard of anyone taking that much unless they were suicidal.

[@sl4983]

...

[@LittleliaExcision340]

🎉🎉They r extorting me lol ks 300mg ambein soma 66mg oxycodone 45mg I need my prescription Walgreens safety tests with prescriptions or with money!!

[@LittleliaExcision340]

I need 40 pills daily not just a month 90 pills for crack and fixtine anyse

[@LittleliaExcision340]

😮😮I need 9 pills cocaine abuse methadone clearance daily 45mg oxycodone

[@LittleliaExcision340]

I need both sublocade I use cocaine herion and cocaine I s good I like the drug more too then using the Ambien to crack codaibe