Jump to content



Photo

Wondering If Anyone Here Withdrawing From Cymbalta Have Taken Ambien.


  • Please log in to reply
74 replies to this topic

#1 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 16 February 2014 - 10:02 PM

My next hump is to get off of 10mg of ambien which I have taken prior to cymbalta and after cymbalta. I hear this ambien withdrawl will be worse to come off of than cymbalta.

All suggestions please.

#2 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 17 February 2014 - 09:49 AM

Been there done that. Ambien withdrawal is not an issue as long as you are NOT on benzos at the same time. Things like Xanax, valium, lorazepam, etc. Both ambien and benzos attach to the same neuroreceptors and compound each others withdrawal. Just go slow when reducing the ambien. Are you on the capsules with beads (time release) or just the tablets?


#3 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 17 February 2014 - 09:58 AM

Been there done that. Ambien withdrawal is not an issue as long as you are NOT on benzos at the same time. Things like Xanax, valium, lorazepam, etc. Both ambien and benzos attach to the same neuroreceptors and compound each others withdrawal. Just go slow when reducing the ambien. Are you on the capsules with beads (time release) or just the tablets?

Fishinghat. .I'm on the 10mg tablets of ambien for 10 years now. You said something about benzos! I do take a 5 mg of valium once or twice a week..Don't know if that cause problems...

#4 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 17 February 2014 - 10:20 AM

That won't be enough benzo to greatly complicate things. Just keep your dosage of valium the same as it is now until off the ambien. The chief problem with ambien withdrawal is going cold turkey. You will need a good clean razor blade. The idea is to remove a tiny bit more from your tablet about every 3 days or so. (say twice per week). It doesn't have to be exact. You should pace yourself to be off the med within 4 or 5 weeks. Now you can come of this medicine in 2 weeks with tapering faster BUT you will have a real bad case of insomnia that you really won't like. By going over a 4 to 5 week period this gives your body a chance to adjust. You have been on this a long time so your body may still have trouble sleeping. Even with the 4 to 5 week program if you develop bad insomnia you can take small doses of diphenhydramine or doxylamine (both over the counter meds) about an hours before bed. BE SURE TO CHECK FOR COMPATABILITY WITH YOUR OTHER MEDS BEFORE USING THEM. They do react with several anxiolytics and antidepressants.

When I came off ambien I reduced the pill by small amounts each day for about 3 weeks and came off with little side effects other than feeling sort of crungy. With your history though I would think a little slower is better.

 

Let us know how you are doing along the way.


#5 FiveNotions

FiveNotions

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,686 posts
  • LocationUS, East Coast
  • why_joining:
    I want my life back!

Posted 17 February 2014 - 10:27 AM

Once again, I'm with FH on the ambien withdrawal.....I also had the 10 mg tablet...it was ages ago, and I don't exactly recall what years, but I'd been on it, I think during some of my law firm years...anyway, I also used the razor blade method (like I did with the benzos) .....scratched off a bit more every week...I went really slow because I get so damn addicted to this stuff....

One special note....if you have cats or dogs or other pets that roam freely in your home, be sure to cleanup, wipe away, all the scraped off ambien.... We don't want any sedated fur friends.... ;-)

#6 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 17 February 2014 - 10:50 AM

"One special note....if you have cats or dogs or other pets that roam freely in your home, be sure to cleanup, wipe away, all the scraped off ambien.... We don't want any sedated fur friends.... ;-)"

 

Talk about cat nip! wow


  • Clara likes this

#7 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 17 February 2014 - 01:31 PM

Carleeta, you might look over this document. It is from my original psychologist and has really helped my sleep issues. Maybe you can pick some pearls out of there.

 

 


  • FiveNotions likes this

#8 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 17 February 2014 - 02:36 PM

"One special note....if you have cats or dogs or other pets that roam freely in your home, be sure to cleanup, wipe away, all the scraped off ambien.... We don't want any sedated fur friends.... ;-)"
 
Talk about cat nip! wow

Fishinghat. .lol lol..I do have a little princess; cat..lol lol..Never thought of the scrapping getting onto the floor...Then again my little princess could use some calming down..lol lol. She is extremely hyper..Although I haven't found out how to do the shavings yet..But I love the Cat Nip quote..lol lol..you brightened up my day..ty c)

#9 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 17 February 2014 - 02:47 PM

That won't be enough benzo to greatly complicate things. Just keep your dosage of valium the same as it is now until off the ambien. The chief problem with ambien withdrawal is going cold turkey. You will need a good clean razor blade. The idea is to remove a tiny bit more from your tablet about every 3 days or so. (say twice per week). It doesn't have to be exact. You should pace yourself to be off the med within 4 or 5 weeks. Now you can come of this medicine in 2 weeks with tapering faster BUT you will have a real bad case of insomnia that you really won't like. By going over a 4 to 5 week period this gives your body a chance to adjust. You have been on this a long time so your body may still have trouble sleeping. Even with the 4 to 5 week program if you develop bad insomnia you can take small doses of diphenhydramine or doxylamine (both over the counter meds) about an hours before bed. BE SURE TO CHECK FOR COMPATABILITY WITH YOUR OTHER MEDS BEFORE USING THEM. They do react with several anxiolytics and antidepressants.
When I came off ambien I reduced the pill by small amounts each day for about 3 weeks and came off with little side effects other than feeling sort of crungy. With your history though I would think a little slower is better.
 
Let us know how you are doing along the way.

Fishinghat. .ty..I will have to save this somewhere. .I am planning to move in April. Therefore, I have many issues to attend to from today forward like selling my home, getting movers (who will pack for me), find extra srorage, and all the stressful things which go along with moving..Being an agoraphobiac where I can't leave the house makes it more stressfull..Therefore I'm planning to get off ambien in May..I'm hoping I can handle this task while living alone..
  • bronxbomber likes this

#10 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 17 February 2014 - 03:24 PM

We will all be here when you need us. Anytime.


#11 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 18 February 2014 - 06:02 PM

Ty you Fishinghat and FiveNotions. ..My hands, especially my right hand doesn't hold a grip well..I'm certain I can't hold this tiny round pill and a razor..I was wondering when you talk about razor shaving, do you mean scraping it with a razor like five times or six or seven or eight times..I'm so NOT understanding the whole shaving thing..I'm did buy a pill cutter today although this pill is so small it will only take a half cut, couldn't even cut that half in half without crumbling..then that would be 3/4 of the pill and that seems way too much..

Did start with calming teas today and will start with sleepy time also to get my sleep hygene in order..which will take a few months to get myself ready for this...

Any help is greatly appreciated. .:)

#12 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 18 February 2014 - 07:10 PM

Hi Carleeta. Yes, you just shave some off one end. If a razor blade is too hard to safely handle then you should be able to shave a little off the end with a steak knife. But you are right most pill cutters will just cut them in half. The pharmacies here have special pill cutters that are like a handle where the razor blade slips in the end sorta like a box knife. Easy to hold on to.


#13 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 18 February 2014 - 07:33 PM

Fishinghat, Dahhh..never thought about a knife..lol lol lol. that sounds easy. lol  Of course there is no end of this pill its round..lol lol  I'll figure out something when the time comes.  Thank you.. ;)


#14 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 18 February 2014 - 08:45 PM

Just thought about something...Wow my brain is really working now...I could also use a nail file...omg...I get it now..


#15 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 19 February 2014 - 01:05 PM

Did about 20 small swipes with a nail file across my ambien pill last night..Did have a hard time sleeping..received a total of 3 hours max on and off...

Dry eyes this am..feel lightheaded and a bit sore (relating the soreness to the attempt to snow shovel yesterday. .lol)

Head feels full and lightheaded, although I've had the feeling for some days anyway along with the horrible headaches I've been having for over a week...Have been taking advil cold and sinus daily..Seems to work.

Today I felt the headache again so I took Advil cold and sinus.

Trying not to take the 5mg of valium today as I took one yesterday..

I'm thinking this is going to be a long stressful journey for me..

Tonight I'll drink some sleepy time tea...

#16 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 19 February 2014 - 01:23 PM

Just like when you came off hte cymbalta, stay at the current level of ambien for a few days till the sleep improves. It usually took about 3 to 5 days between cuts for me.


#17 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 19 February 2014 - 01:40 PM

Fishinghat, Thank you for your support in this area...I do think I will do this for a week or so before going down farther..I think a very very very slow taper till I get to 5 mgs and stay there a while before I start filing again..I don't think I can do this is four to six weeks..

I will keep everyone posted on this issue. .:)

#18 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 19 February 2014 - 02:01 PM

Good plan Carleeta. Just listen to your body.


#19 julsand

julsand

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 6 posts
  • LocationTexas
  • why_joining:
    quitting cymbalta

Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:30 PM

I was prescribed Ambien at one time.  I did some research first & decided to NEVER fill that scrip.  So glad I didn't.  But now I wish I had done research before starting Cymbalta!  You can bet I am not about to let my dr stick me on another drug to replace it.  Btw, just sharing my own feelings here, not judging anyone else's choice.  We all gotta make our own way in this world!   :rolleyes:


  • sodone61 likes this

#20 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:38 PM

I was prescribed Ambien at one time.  I did some research first & decided to NEVER fill that scrip.  So glad I didn't.  But now I wish I had done research before starting Cymbalta!  You can bet I am not about to let my dr stick me on another drug to replace it.  Btw, just sharing my own feelings here, not judging anyone else's choice.  We all gotta make our own way in this world!   :rolleyes:

Your post was great..It's all about our opinions. .I appreciate you post..I agree no more meds like this for me also..ty

#21 FiveNotions

FiveNotions

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,686 posts
  • LocationUS, East Coast
  • why_joining:
    I want my life back!

Posted 20 February 2014 - 09:54 PM

Carleeta, are you taking magnesium or any other supplements for sleep? I've discovered that theanine works very well for me...I take 3 100 mg capsules about an hour before bed, with my herb tea...also 500 mg of magnesium....

And how about a nice long soak in the tub, with Epsom salts as a reward for all that snow shoveling?

#22 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 21 February 2014 - 02:55 PM

Ok..update..3 nights of filing some of this med away. .I mean very very small filings..I know it's not even 1/4 of this small tiny pill..

First night day 1 was not much sleep at all..was really irritably, anxious, very lightheaded, and very anxious (all in my above post)
Second night...I added 1.5 my of melatonin and experienced such a head rush I went into a panic attack and did all my mind exercises (which I practice daily) through the attack..Previous to the melaton about 2 hours earlier I had taken 1 advil for the headache I've been suffering from..Anyway when the attack started to subside (after an hour) I took 1/2 of the tiny shaved ambien..I appeared to be ok so 30 min after that I took the other half of the shaved ambien..I did fall asleep and slept very well..I also seem to have had one of the first days with the headache subsiding a bit.
Third night..No advil today and no 5mg of valium..Took 1.5 mg of melatonin and my tiny filled ambien..I did sleep fairly well.
Today I felt a bit groggy when I woke up although getting through the day fairly gooh.

FiveNotions. .I did buy the magnesium although haven't taken it yet, due to having blood work done on Saturday and I didn't want it to interfere with readings..I'm going through physicals which I have put off for years..

Thank you everyone for your support!

#23 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 21 February 2014 - 03:02 PM

Sounds like you are coming along well Carleeta. I know at times it is hard to handle but you are slowly adapting to life without Ambien. Hang in there.


#24 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 25 February 2014 - 01:59 PM

Today is one week where I have shaved down a tiny bit of my ambien..

What I can say about how I've ben feeling is: headaches (which started before I started this and some lightheaded feelings and a bit dizzy..Now having said that, I'm not sure at all if these are related to my small taper..Talked with psychologist on Saturday and explained my physical symptoms. .He stated once my medical tests have been rolled out.. He will then tend to feel it is extreme stress and anxiety related, although he gave me the name of a psychiatrist who also specializes in neurology who can best answer that question..My psychologist does know I'm not the type of patient who is looking or want prescription meds to help me handle my fears, anxiety, and stress producing problems..Psychologist also stated he feels I have already answered my own questions..He also likes that I am shaving down my ambien....

Tonight I start shaving a tiny bit more for my next week and see how I do..only took 5mg of valium 4 days out of the seven..I feel I was fearful on starting this taper and caused more of my own anxiety..

Also I've been taking 1.5 mg of melatonin nightly...

Just an update...

#25 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 26 February 2014 - 02:32 PM

Last night I started to file a tiny bit more from my steady 7 day size.

Was waking up every 2 hours but kept falling back to sleep.

The only problem I seem to constantly have is when I take the 1.5 mg of melatonin I feel a bit dizzy and lightheaded for the first 30 min...

so far it's been so so ...

#26 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 26 February 2014 - 02:46 PM

It takes a little while but you are doing great. Pretty soon....one less med to deal with.


#27 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 26 February 2014 - 03:06 PM

Thamk you Fishinghat...The last medication, hopefully I will ever deal with....

#28 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 04 March 2014 - 01:11 PM

Today us two weeks of filing my ambien down...I slept fairly well last night...Tonight will be the start of filing down a bit more for the next week...I'll keep everyone posted on the upcoming week....

#29 fishinghat

fishinghat

    Site Partners

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 13,869 posts
  • LocationMissouri

Posted 04 March 2014 - 01:49 PM

Well Carleeta it sounds like it is going well. You hang in there.


  • Carleeta likes this

#30 Carleeta

Carleeta

    God-like

  • Active Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,801 posts
  • LocationNew York
  • why_joining:
    Read so many painful stories on here and offering others support while trying to heal myself from cymbalta and other antidepressents.

Posted 11 March 2014 - 02:25 PM

It's been three weeks today since I started filing down my ambien..I have probably filed off approximately 1/4 of the pill and maybe a bit more...Tonight will be the start of week four and I've already filed down seven of the ambien in equal sizes (or close to it)..I'll post how the next seven days will be...I'll am certainly on a very very very slow taper..I'll guess what I don't mind is the lack of night sleep because at some point I do fall asleep..lol lol....Every once in a while I might take less than mg of Melatonin.
  • ZappAlta likes this



0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users