Ambien + Xanax = Insomnia ? (sleep, Benadryl, SSRI, effect) - Mental well-being and mental disorders - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

Lakewooder · 07-15-2009, 11:53 AM

Has anyone tried Temazepam (Restoril)? This is not for inducing sleep but maintaining sleep.

luckyleo1 · 03-03-2010, 07:40 PM

I've taken Ambien for the last five years. I have the worst kind of insomnia and then get migraines from lack of sleep. My doctor switched me over to Ambien CR last year and I can honestly tell you I had extremely realistic nightmares. I would swear I was seeing ghosts. And, it wasn't once, it was over and over. I would sleep walk & carry on conversations with people who thought I was very awake! I even went outside on several occasions and at least once started my vehicle. I was having sex with my husband and not even remembering it! I now am taking regular ambien and everything is back to normal. I would like to ween myself off of it altogether. It cannot be safe to your mind or body to take a pill to go to sleep....something our bodies should do normally. Maybe one day!

John34634634 · 08-09-2011, 07:03 PM

I've had severe insomnia for years but just finally started doing something about it. I alternate 1mg Xanax XR (extended release) with Ambien 5-10mg as needed. I also try Melatonin and Tyenol PM at least 1 night a week. The Xanax XR works the best of all but it's habit-forming, it doesn't really make me sleepy but once I fall asleep, I sleep REALLY well. I'm REALLY looking forward to Lunesta possibly being available as a generic next year. It's effective to keep you asleep all night and it's safe for long-term use.....my insurance won't cover it right now. The Xanax XR has given me vivid dreams but mostly positive-focused, not nightmares.

Greenchili · 08-13-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John34634634

I've had severe insomnia for years but just finally started doing something about it. I alternate 1mg Xanax XR (extended release) with Ambien 5-10mg as needed. I also try Melatonin and Tyenol PM at least 1 night a week. The Xanax XR works the best of all but it's habit-forming, it doesn't really make me sleepy but once I fall asleep, I sleep REALLY well. I'm REALLY looking forward to Lunesta possibly being available as a generic next year. It's effective to keep you asleep all night and it's safe for long-term use.....my insurance won't cover it right now. The Xanax XR has given me vivid dreams but mostly positive-focused, not nightmares.

Wow,I didnt know an XR version of Xanax existed...?

no kudzu · 08-13-2011, 09:33 AM

I took xanax for many years , was on ambien for about 2months and then doc moved me to lunesta. very expensive but semi works for me. Dr also had me take neurontin with any sleep pill but i felt so drugged next morning.

tvdxer · 08-18-2011, 02:09 AM

How long have you been taking Ambien?

Ambien must be weaned, not stopped - otherwise you will probably get what is known as "rebound insomnia", which can be much worse than never medicated insomnia.

And to tell you the truth, I love the side effects of Ambien. I didn't take the drug for the side effects, but to sleep, but I really never went to bed right after taking Ambien either. I loved the way it made me feel - optimistic, hopeful, positive, and more interested in things (and interestingly, very non-sexual). I would love for a drug to be developed that induces the positive side-effects of Ambien but negates the somnolence (sleepiness) and lack of coordination - in other words, a kind of awake Ambien. That would be awesome!

DrummerBoy · 08-22-2011, 09:42 AM

All you Xanax users need to be very careful: that drug is highly addictive and you build-up a tolerance to it very quickly and often then need more. Over half of all people who use Xanax for anxiety have dependence problems later on with it, and then need to either detox or switch to a lesser, non-benzodiazapene medication.

kristen19867 · 03-11-2012, 08:24 PM

i dont get it. I have what my dr called chronic insomnia and i have been on xanax .25mg for about 7 months well i still couldnt sleep. I have always had a hard time sleeping up all night and even when i do get to sleep i dont sleep soundly. so i was prescribed ambien first night was great slept awesome. yea i felt a little strange but more just tired. but ever since it does literally nothing for me. No sleepy feeling not even a strange feeling just nothing. what is wrong with me????

whitlock · 03-12-2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

Has anyone tried Temazepam (Restoril)? This is not for inducing sleep but maintaining sleep.

Temazepam is a short acting benzo and especially for inducing sleep. For me 40mg works usually great but if you don't manage to fall a sleep the drug is going to have a paradoxal effect it can make you hyperactive.

Dormicum (Midazolam) is also great. I know many mix it with Fentanyl (I don't recommend it though) and they sleep like babies.

theatergypsy · 03-12-2012, 05:06 PM

I was struggling with sleep and when I spoke to my doctor about it, he suggested 50 mg. of Benadryl. He prescribes it for hospital patients instead of the usual "sleeping pills". It's 25 mg. OTC, so I take two about 20 minutes before bed.

I mentioned it to my oncologist and told him that I had been waking after about four hours and he told me it was okay to take two more Benadryl. (His own wife does the same)