I have asked my doctor for an Ambien prescription because I know that I will have tons of trouble falling asleep during the nights leading up to my wedding and because we have a dreaded 16 hour flight to reach our HM!
Any Ambien users out there know whether I should get regular Ambien or Ambien CR (controlled release)? The doctor recommends Ambien CR but I did a quick google search and came across a bunch of people complaining that CR didn't work as well for them as regular Ambien.
Thanks!!!!
Margarita
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Re: Ambien Question
It depends on what your sleep issue is -- if you have trouble falling asleep but not staying asleep then get the regular, it will knock you out quicker than the CR. If you have trouble staying asleep and wake up in the middle of the night then you should go for the CR.
Celeste617
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Re: Ambien Question
CR can be good for certain people since it is time release. HOWEVER, there have been instances where people taking this woke up, got dressed, drove to work and DIDN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING. FH had this happen to him when he took it - didn't remember at all taking a shower and getting ready. So be careful about that. I have taken the regular Ambien a few times and had a wonderful night's sleep. Just be sure you are able to get about 8 hours because otherwise it is hard as hell to wake up - at least this was my experience after only 6 hours of sleep on it. I also have found that I am sometimes overly tired the next day (which I found odd). If I were you, I'd stick with the regular and don't mess with the CR. HTH!
allegracristina
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Re: Ambien Question
Ambien is tough if you're not taking it before actually getting into bed and turning the lights out. I found that one night I stayed awake by mistake and was pretty f.ucked up and didn't remember my phone conversation from the night before. I would say take regular Ambien, and just lay back and close your eyes and try to sleep. Frankly I feel Valium is the best for nerves while flying. It will make you sleepy also.
caligirl87
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Re: Ambien Question
My recommendation... take ambien and get RIGHT to bed. I took ambien after I was in a car accident and one night I decided to stay up and talk to my sister after I took it... I started Hallucinating.... Apparently it's one of those 'may cause' clauses...
mrsjpc3
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Re: Ambien Question
I swear by ambien CR. I got an rx for 12 pills. I found the 12 mg to be a little too strong, so i cut them in half, and only take half every now and then. The full pill made me feel a little groggy the next day, but a half - i feel like a million bucks. You have to take it on an empty stomach!!!! it really is some of the best night sleeep i have ever gotten. But - do not attempt to stay up, and dont get woken up. I have had weird 'hallucination' type things happen. Funny, but strange at the same time. If you want to sleep, go get this rx. I love it....
sykogodezz
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Re: Ambien Question
If you havent taken anything like this before I would start with regular ambien at first. Also, your insurance may not pay for CR without an authorization from your doc and if they do its going to be a higher copay anyhow. I work in a pharmacy and a lot of insurance dont want to pay for the CR since there isnt a generic as of yet.
2009Bride2Be
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Re: Ambien Question
I am not an Ambien fan AT ALL. I know too many people that have hallucinated on it, have woken up the next day and are completely disoriented to time and place.
It caused my father A TON of medical problems. And we had to take him to the hospital one time because he didnt know what time it was. He didnt remember what day it was. He didnt remember talking to my mom. His words were slurring. We thought he had a stroke!!!!!!!!! It was FROM THE AMBIEN! So Im very hesitant and skeptical of it.
I say maybe try something else. I mean I see a lot of people on here that seem to be fine on it but I mean what happens if you get woken up by something? You REALLY want to be hallucinating? =/ THAT freaks me out PERSONALLY. When I cant sleep I take a xanax =/ You can try Melatonin. Its all natural, no rx needed, can be found at a drug store and TOTALLY makes me pass OUT COLD!
mmm117
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Re: Ambien Question
Thanks so much girls. I have taken regular Ambien a few times before when I went to Asia and was having trouble sleeping because of the time difference and it was fine for me then. I think I'll feel better if I stick with what I already tried. Thanks again!
shanny200
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Re: Ambien Question
I've taken it and stayed awake - ended up hallucinating, calling/texting people and not remembering it...that is the problem...you need to pop it in your mouth, turn off the light, and lay down! CR and the regular Ambien work just as well. CR and regular give me hangovers like hell, though.
Another thing to add - a lot of people like to take more than one pill, like 1.5 or more and they end up doing super crazy things. Just take ONE and don't stay up and wait for it to take effect - otherwise, who knows what you may do!
As a chronic insomnia for 90% of my life, I recommend Lunesta - I like it much better and don't feel as hungover, no hallucinations, weird phone calls.
valthom426
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Re: Ambien Question
I agree Ambien is not for everyone. Some people have devastating reactions. If you would consider an option, there's always Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for the sleep and Xanax for anxiety. Good luck, hope you find your magic cocktail.
