I'm still having a horrible time sleeping, so my doc has prescribed Ambien. Please don't tell me anything bad about it. He has also increased me from 10 mg to 20 mg of Lexapro. I can take .5 of xanax at night, too, but don't know if I can take that with the Ambien or if I should take Ambien alone.
Any positive comments welcomed. I'm very nervous about taking the Ambien (1 Tylenol PM only worked one night for me). I'm about to lose my marbles with so little sleep.
I hope the increase in Lexapro will calm down my anxiety stuff so I'm able to relax and sleep on my own at night soon. In the meantime I need to be able to function and take care of my kids.
Ambien and Xanax together?
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Guest
I just got prescribed Ambien for sleep. I'm scared to take meds so I'm not taking it yet. I've been taking a magnesium supplement called Natural Calm. I'm better at doing the supplement thing first.
Call your pharmacist. They know much more about meds interacting than the docs do. I have a neighbor that is a pharm. and I call him for everything to do with meds. I think Xanax and Ambien might be in the same class of drugs...not sure.
Call your pharmacist. They know much more about meds interacting than the docs do. I have a neighbor that is a pharm. and I call him for everything to do with meds. I think Xanax and Ambien might be in the same class of drugs...not sure.
Hi Girls!
Several years ago I was prescribed both Ambien and Xanax at the same time, and yes, I did take them together with no ill effects (small dose of xanax about an hour before taking the ambien- the effects of xanax are immediate... within 15-20 mins and wear off within two-three hours tops). The Ambien was a godsend to me, and I wouldn't feel guilty or ambivilent (sp?) about taking it. One simply CANNOT function without sleep; it allows the mind and body to naturally restore itself.
I went through a period when I was waking up midway through the night, and at that point I began taking Ambien CR (controlled release). I haven't had ANY sleep med since late April of '08 and had NO difficulity ceasing to take the script (I was on one or the other for a good 3+ [if not more] years!). I no longer take xanax but am on klono for anxiety instead.
I also have started drinking NaturalCalm, but this wouldn't have helped me a bit during my worst bouts of insomnia... it is worth a try once you do get some quality sleep; as are some of the other supplements like passion flower (personal fav), tart cherries, and tryptophan. A mug of chamomile tea is also worth trying. I fully agree with Monica about asking your pharmacist- mine has been sooo incrediable!!! I trust her more than my gen. pract. and psych.
I know you have three kids, so time is of the essence (plus that is probably a workout in and of itself!), but I know exercise is crucial in eliminating my anxiety and helping me to sleep well. It doesn't have to be a HUGE ordeal- just walk the dog (or a man- HA! J/K- kids will do, too) around a couple of blocks. Frankly, I like to just take the dog about an hour before dusk and "be in the moment"- it helps me wind down and is very relaxing.
I've also found that "mental" exercise helps, too. I like crossword puzzles or logic problems found in most daily newspapers. I have discovered I have to work on these late afternoon or VERY early evening, because if I work either before bed my mind is stimulated and I cannot fall asleep.
Hope this helps!
Emily
Several years ago I was prescribed both Ambien and Xanax at the same time, and yes, I did take them together with no ill effects (small dose of xanax about an hour before taking the ambien- the effects of xanax are immediate... within 15-20 mins and wear off within two-three hours tops). The Ambien was a godsend to me, and I wouldn't feel guilty or ambivilent (sp?) about taking it. One simply CANNOT function without sleep; it allows the mind and body to naturally restore itself.
I went through a period when I was waking up midway through the night, and at that point I began taking Ambien CR (controlled release). I haven't had ANY sleep med since late April of '08 and had NO difficulity ceasing to take the script (I was on one or the other for a good 3+ [if not more] years!). I no longer take xanax but am on klono for anxiety instead.
I also have started drinking NaturalCalm, but this wouldn't have helped me a bit during my worst bouts of insomnia... it is worth a try once you do get some quality sleep; as are some of the other supplements like passion flower (personal fav), tart cherries, and tryptophan. A mug of chamomile tea is also worth trying. I fully agree with Monica about asking your pharmacist- mine has been sooo incrediable!!! I trust her more than my gen. pract. and psych.
I know you have three kids, so time is of the essence (plus that is probably a workout in and of itself!), but I know exercise is crucial in eliminating my anxiety and helping me to sleep well. It doesn't have to be a HUGE ordeal- just walk the dog (or a man- HA! J/K- kids will do, too) around a couple of blocks. Frankly, I like to just take the dog about an hour before dusk and "be in the moment"- it helps me wind down and is very relaxing.
I've also found that "mental" exercise helps, too. I like crossword puzzles or logic problems found in most daily newspapers. I have discovered I have to work on these late afternoon or VERY early evening, because if I work either before bed my mind is stimulated and I cannot fall asleep.
Hope this helps!
Emily
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Guest
Ladies
Emily,You are right...I took the Natural Calm after I had a decent night. The Ambien is in case I'm having a bad night. I have 4 kids ages 4-12 and I can totally understand. I just went through a week of no sleep and panic attacks at night. I've started exercising everyday and I think it has helped along with the Natural Calm. I'm trying to stay off meds if possible but wouldn't hesitate to take the Ambien if I need to.
Monica
Emily,You are right...I took the Natural Calm after I had a decent night. The Ambien is in case I'm having a bad night. I have 4 kids ages 4-12 and I can totally understand. I just went through a week of no sleep and panic attacks at night. I've started exercising everyday and I think it has helped along with the Natural Calm. I'm trying to stay off meds if possible but wouldn't hesitate to take the Ambien if I need to.
Monica
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Guest