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Wondering If Anyone Here Withdrawing From Cymbalta Have Taken Ambien.


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#31 FiveNotions

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Posted 11 March 2014 - 07:35 PM

Man, Carleeta, you are on one heck of a "roll"!!!

Getting off cymbalta...getting off ambien....giving a speech...new home...selling old home (without even putting up a sign...sheesh, amazing)....I know I've left out a gazillion other good things happening for you....I can't keep up with them all....

WAY TO GO !!!

What a blessing it is to have you here with us!!!

#32 Carleeta

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Posted 12 March 2014 - 07:21 PM

Haven't quite figured out yet what my true withdrawl ssymptoms are from tapering ambien...

Last night was about the same as the night before..Couldn't fall asleep for a long long time...Then I fall asleep, get up and eat a piece of cheese or a slice of turkey (I know I'm doing this by the way) then I fall back to sleep for a few hours..wake up, look at clock, and fall back to sleep again...In total I get my 7 hours of sleep in...so I guess I'm sleeping good...

Don't really know..I usually sleep like this...with the exception of taking longer to fall asleep and waking up later..

Oh well...I'll keep everyone informed....

#33 fishinghat

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Posted 12 March 2014 - 08:10 PM

Yea Carleeta, the sleep is a little kaotic while cutting back. Your body has to get its internal closk reset and that takes a little time.


#34 Carleeta

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Posted 12 March 2014 - 08:25 PM

Yea Carleeta, the sleep is a little kaotic while cutting back. Your body has to get its internal closk reset and that takes a little time.

Fishinghat. .omg I really need to get the internal clock set right...lol lol..Of couse, I'm the one who decides to do this during our 'spring ahead' change..lol lol lol
Thanks again for your support..:)
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#35 Carleeta

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Posted 16 March 2014 - 04:08 PM

Just finished filing down my next seven ambien tablets which I'll be starting Tuesday night...I havent even reached half of one 10mg ambien yet and I'll be starting week 5...hmmm...All I can say is the pill is so small to even hold on to with the filing..Driving me nurs...lol lol lol..

Will post more on this taper as the days go on....

#36 fishinghat

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Posted 16 March 2014 - 04:28 PM

I hope you are still doing OK with your sleep. At least enough to get by with, say 6 or 7 hours?


#37 Carleeta

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Posted 16 March 2014 - 04:33 PM

Fishinghat. ..I might have a hard night once a week where I get a few hours...Other than that the rest of the week it's on an off sleep nightly but it totals about six and a bit more..It's not like I go two days without sleep at all...nothing like that..

I can always add some melatonin or go back up....

#38 fishinghat

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Posted 16 March 2014 - 04:38 PM

You got it mage then. It is just a matter of time. Great!!


#39 Carleeta

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Posted 18 March 2014 - 04:54 PM

Tonight I'll be starting the beginning of week five of my tapering. .Have 7 filed down more than last week..I know I'm not at the half way mark on my 10mg..I've probably filed away more than a quarter and probably in a few weeks I'll be at the halfway mark (5mg)..I've hoping this is slow enough..

I don't sleep straight...It takes a long time to fall asleep..It'll sleep an hour then wake up then fall back to sleep for a few hours then wake up again and then fall asleep again..It'll guess this is ok because when I wake up I fall right back to sleep..The only problem I seem to have is on the first night of the new taper...I get only a few hours sleep total..Oh well I'm still getting sleep...

I'll keep everyone posted....

#40 FiveNotions

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Posted 18 March 2014 - 05:43 PM

Great progress, Carleeta! I can't believe that 5 weeks has gone by so fast....seems like just yesterday you were figuring out how to reduce the dose without busting up the pill or tapering too fast or some such....was it Fishinghat who suggested filing it down, or was that your brainstorm?

When I took ambien, in addition to making me loopy in the morning and doing things I didn't remember, it lost all effectiveness for me and then seemed to make sleep even worse....typical, but my doc never told me that it should only be taken for a brief period of time...he just kept prescribing it....sheesh....

#41 fishinghat

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Posted 18 March 2014 - 05:45 PM

Yea this is slow but it is beyyer than withdrawal and being awake all night. You are doing fine!


#42 Carleeta

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Posted 18 March 2014 - 08:35 PM

Great progress, Carleeta! I can't believe that 5 weeks has gone by so fast....seems like just yesterday you were figuring out how to reduce the dose without busting up the pill or tapering too fast or some such....was it Fishinghat who suggested filing it down, or was that your brainstorm?
When I took ambien, in addition to making me loopy in the morning and doing things I didn't remember, it lost all effectiveness for me and then seemed to make sleep even worse....typical, but my doc never told me that it should only be taken for a brief period of time...he just kept prescribing it....sheesh....

FiveNotions. .I believe Fishinghat used the word 'shaved' and to use a razor..I couldn't imagine using a razor with a tiny pill and trying to do this without getting injured, especially with the arthritis in my hand..Oh no! I just thought of using a nail file, and filing some off..Truthfully, it was working fine in the beginning, until now..There is power all over..lol lol..Getting to the point where I sort of can't wait to get to half of the pill..When I get to half. .I'll use a pill cutter to do this. .Then file from there...Just going very very slow....and Im starting my fifth week..I'll completed 4 weeks..oufffff!
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#43 Carleeta

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Posted 18 March 2014 - 08:37 PM

Yea this is slow but it is beyyer than withdrawal and being awake all night. You are doing fine!

Fishinghat. .ty..just hoping when I'm finally done, there won't be any suprised down the road..

#44 TryinginFL

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Posted 18 March 2014 - 09:27 PM

Carleeta...  you are truly amazing!  You are coming off both Cymbalta and Ambien at the same time??  WOW!! :D  How strong you are!  (But then, I know that you Italians are!)

 

I would like to drop the Alprazolam when I'm through with this Crapalta stuff, but know I cannot do it at the same time - afraid I'd fall apart as this last weekend seemed to prove.  Guess I am more of a wimp, but certainly will not try the CT method again!

 

I am so proud of you!  I have begun to enjoy a glass of white wine after spilling half of it while pouring and then almost the other half when I sat down !  Sure wish I could get myself together.  But not to worry, I have more... :lol:

Here we are having an "off Cymbalta" party for EW....surely she is with us ;)

 

Hugs and prayers to all,

Liz :hug:  


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#45 fishinghat

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Posted 19 March 2014 - 07:45 AM

Fishinghat. .ty..just hoping when I'm finally done, there won't be any suprised down the road..

 

Carleeta you are a special person and I am sure there won't be any surprises. The good Lord will look after you. 


#46 Carleeta

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Posted 01 April 2014 - 07:55 PM

Today is the start of week six and I chose to stay at the shavings/filings I been at last week..Think I'll stay here a bit due to the extreme stress factors which will be coming up in the next few weeks with the move..Still at times I'm using about 3/4 mg of melatonin with the shaved ambien...I have to say I still have managed to get at least a few hours sleep here and there on some nights and have not gone with NO sleep...

Will keep everyone posted...

#47 xman

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Posted 23 April 2014 - 11:07 AM

I have been following along as my own road seems to flow down the same river. :~) I saw my IM doc yesterday. Presented her w/ information on research of the disc. syndrome of crapalta. She was VERY receptive and that made me feel better. Happy Earth Day! Everyday should be earth day but... I had planned to take in some cloth bags for the staff but couldn't get my act together. Another disappointment in self.

 

Now to the Ambien. I can't remember when I started it (10 yrs. ago?). I know it contributes to nightmares as does the dc'g of crapalta. My lack of sleep is such a formidable issue in my life. I suppose if I didn't have a job I could just hang tough. Since that is not the case I asked the good doctor about switching to Lunesta. I started a 7 day trial last night. No change in sleep, if not worse--awakened every 45 min., up to BR every other time...I did not want to exchange the Ambien for yet another rx,! Yet quality of living and the job swayed me to try it.

 

I thank the fine folks before me for the sage advice and press onward. :D 


#48 Carleeta

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Posted 23 April 2014 - 02:40 PM

Xman...I didn't know you were taking ambien...So you've been on it for 10 years...Well now you are trying Lunesta in place of ambien correct? Maybe you need to give it time to work..I'm not sure about lunesta, since I tried it years ago and took it for 3 might and no luck...At that time I stayed with the ambien...Now I'm weaning myself off...Taking my time though...Good luck with the Lunesta....
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#49 FiveNotions

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Posted 23 April 2014 - 08:29 PM

Carleeta, are you still holding at a certain dose level, and how's your sleep been doing during all your recent activity?

Xman, I thought ambien and lunesta worked on different types of sleep problems....ambien for those who have trouble staying asleep, and lunesta for those who have trouble falling asleep...? At least, that's why I've used one or the other over the years.....( however, most of my time on cymbalta I could sleep anywhere, anytime and for as long as I could....)

Also, are you risking ambien withdrawal by immediately switching over to lunesta?

It sure is hard to function without quality sleep, eh? I remember how easy nighttime sleep was when I was a kid....deep and restful.... And, how much I hated being put down for a nap.....now I'd kill for the ability to nap.... ;-)
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#50 xman

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Posted 24 April 2014 - 11:37 AM

Clareeta, Yes unfortunately I am up many times t/o the night to the BR and with pain related to IC and back pain (inoperable and injections didn't touch it). My doctor at the time said I had a connective tissue disorder like fibromyalgia and a piriformis muscle tear (tried botox in the muscle and back). I just press on after spending 3 years trying to get to the root cause. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal type meds, Lidoderm, lyrica, Neurontin, flexeril, heat, cold, you name it and I have done it! That's what led me to crapalta. Heat seems to be my best friend, but with horrible hot flashing, it has been limited of late. Two expensive mattresses in 5 years... LOL Have to laugh lol :lol:

 

I wondered if you were still filing the tablet down...How are you sleeping in your new home, Clareeta? Are you sleeping on the same mattress?

 

And yes FiveNotions you are spot on. I have difficult staying asleep and that is what I recall as being the difference in the ambien vs. lunesta. But the nightmares...I want to rule out ambien as the cause plus I am not sleeping. grrrrrr

 

I am trying the super pricy 3 mg. The last 2 nights...I had 2 hrs in a row. I suppose that could be considered progress to a small degree.  Then I am awake watching the clock on the ceiling...I almost did the mix it up thing last night out of desperation--A piece of the ambien along w/lunesta. My better sense came along and stopped me! I think you're right about the withdrawal. But could it feel worse? Yes it most certainly could--don't know why I would question this!!

 

I can't function very well when sleep is so interrupted and nearly non-existent.

 

Trazadone...tried that one > 5yrs. ago. It would leave me hung-over even at low dosage and unable to motivate and truly did not change the number of times I got up and/or changed positions. I can't risk that double de-motivator at this time. I have bought and tried every different brand of melatonin available on the market! Not helpful. I have three sets of nighttime eye thingies. :P

 

Limited caffeine if at all.

 

Yup...I remember my dad trying to get us up as kids for school. He would turn on the intercom radio--country music blaring in the room, and turn on the bright lights. I would go into the closet and back to sleep :D If only we could stay young longer... Even into my 30's I could sleep until 11 or 12. Now, as elusive as peace in the world -_-

 

I am open to anything. Should anyone have any other thoughts, I am humbly thankful for you all.


#51 Carleeta

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Posted 24 April 2014 - 05:55 PM

Xman...yes I'm in my own bed...same mattress...Need to get used to it again...lol lol

#52 ZappAlta

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Posted 24 April 2014 - 11:20 PM

Clareeta, Yes unfortunately I am up many times t/o the night to the BR and with pain related to IC and back pain (inoperable and injections didn't touch it). My doctor at the time said I had a connective tissue disorder like fibromyalgia and a piriformis muscle tear (tried botox in the muscle and back). I just press on after spending 3 years trying to get to the root cause. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal type meds, Lidoderm, lyrica, Neurontin, flexeril, heat, cold, you name it and I have done it! That's what led me to crapalta. Heat seems to be my best friend, but with horrible hot flashing, it has been limited of late. Two expensive mattresses in 5 years... LOL Have to laugh lol :lol:

 

I wondered if you were still filing the tablet down...How are you sleeping in your new home, Clareeta? Are you sleeping on the same mattress?

 

And yes FiveNotions you are spot on. I have difficult staying asleep and that is what I recall as being the difference in the ambien vs. lunesta. But the nightmares...I want to rule out ambien as the cause plus I am not sleeping. grrrrrr

 

I am trying the super pricy 3 mg. The last 2 nights...I had 2 hrs in a row. I suppose that could be considered progress to a small degree.  Then I am awake watching the clock on the ceiling...I almost did the mix it up thing last night out of desperation--A piece of the ambien along w/lunesta. My better sense came along and stopped me! I think you're right about the withdrawal. But could it feel worse? Yes it most certainly could--don't know why I would question this!!

 

I can't function very well when sleep is so interrupted and nearly non-existent.

 

Trazadone...tried that one > 5yrs. ago. It would leave me hung-over even at low dosage and unable to motivate and truly did not change the number of times I got up and/or changed positions. I can't risk that double de-motivator at this time. I have bought and tried every different brand of melatonin available on the market! Not helpful. I have three sets of nighttime eye thingies. :P

 

Limited caffeine if at all.

 

Yup...I remember my dad trying to get us up as kids for school. He would turn on the intercom radio--country music blaring in the room, and turn on the bright lights. I would go into the closet and back to sleep :D If only we could stay young longer... Even into my 30's I could sleep until 11 or 12. Now, as elusive as peace in the world -_-

 

I am open to anything. Should anyone have any other thoughts, I am humbly thankful for you all.

have you tried Tylenol or Advil pm -it has Benedryl in it -- or try plain Benedryl


#53 xman

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Posted 25 April 2014 - 11:26 AM

Zappalta--Good thought. It has been a long time since I have taken a Benadryl. It is high time!

Tylenol does not have a positive effect in this area. I may have to look at the Advil PM ingredients. TY

 

Clareeta- :D You always make me smile!


#54 Carleeta

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Posted 26 April 2014 - 12:28 PM

Lol lol....I just moved from one area to another...Now the brand of the generic ambien and the shape has changed...Oh my goodness, I knew the exact area to shave on the round area of the old brand.This brand Is oblong...All I can tell is where the half portion would be..I'm not quite on half..Looks like I have to play it safe and eyeball where this cut would be...I'm guessing it's ok if I go up a bit instead of making it smaller...Oh well...I'm thinking it won't hurt to go up some and it's probably going to be ok...I'm hope..lol lol
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#55 xman

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 10:47 AM

I tried  the Lunesta and think it may work even if it is ever so noticeable. I had a stretch of sleep that included 2 hours. However...I did work 14 hrs. yesterday. Oh great, I can't really quantify it but I will press on. As of the end of last week, CVS pharmacy now carries the generic Lunesta--much less expense. I have Ambien left overs...lol lol!

 

My elderly dog has sundowners ( yes dogs can get it too). So guess who got the Benadryl? :D

 

I will actually try it this week. My past failure with it is that it's an antihistamine and I already have a low tank--if that makes any sense to anyone. IC (interstitial cystitis) creates another issue related to sleep...


#56 fishinghat

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Posted 29 April 2014 - 11:37 AM

Xman, you sure do have an uphill climb with the sleep. I am afraid the benadryl will make you more sluggish, at least for a while in the morning til it wears off. Hang in there.


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#57 Carleeta

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Posted 30 April 2014 - 01:45 PM

Xman...Benadryl, if taken too much will give you the jitters the next day, for some people...Listen to Fishinghat when he states the drowsiness also....Take it easy...What works for me is a tiny bit, and I mean tiny (less than 1mg) of melatonin with my decrease of ambien...

#58 xman

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Posted 01 May 2014 - 11:17 AM

Thank you both!


#59 clearglass

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 07:53 AM

Hi xman, I took ambien for a short time and stopped before tapering off cymbalta.  I take 1 benadryl @ night and I'm not sluggish in the morning.  When my allergies are really bad, I take 2 @ night and it's hard to get up in the morning. Like fishinghat said, be careful.


#60 xman

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Posted 02 May 2014 - 10:23 AM

"Like" to Clearglass!





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