Question 1

i was on ambien (zolpidem) for five years prior and it stopped working. so i should have no problems trying it again after 14 month hiatus?

Accepted Answer

Probably  not.: I  assume that  you were  taking  generic  Ambien; i.e., zolpidem.  Thee  are  occasional  generic  products  that  are poorly  made and  do  not  provide the  benefit.  There are  also  various  medical and  psychiatric  conditions   that  interfere with  effectiveness of  Ambien both  then and now.  Your MD  can help answer  these questions--better to do so  now than  have  medication  failure.

Question 2

seroquel and luvox stopped working after 14 years, i can't sleep with ambien (zolpidem).  i'm screwed, and scared i'm gonna die.

Accepted Answer

Not sure why fearful: If you're having trouble sleeping at night. I will tell you that a LARGE part of the reason is the fact that you've been on medications for 14 years that now are no longer working for that problem. I'd've been more scared of being ON THOSE medications for so long! You should be evaluated for insomnia &amp; have the root cause identified &amp; addressed not just become unnecessarily dependent on more pills

Question 3

took ambien (zolpidem) 10mg for 2 year's. my dr changed me to 15mg diazapam. not working for insomnia. if i already took the valium 20mg can i take a 10mg ambien (zolpidem)?

Accepted Answer

You. May: Why did your. Dr stop ambien (zolpidem)?   You. Did not tell your. Age .  Why did your dr start  valium?   If you needed something. For. Anxiety. Lorazepam. Would have been better .  In my opinion  both drugs are in the end are monster but if you had to take one. Take the one. Which helps you with least side effects .  I would not take both just to sleep .Valium can give you more problems if you had to stop.

Question 4

what is the best way to taper off ambien (zolpidem)? have been taking for 5 years 10mg every night.

Accepted Answer

No "best" way.: A common way would be to take 5 mg for about a week and then stop.  That would certainly avoid withdrawal  effects. But you may find that you have trouble sleeping, in a way that zolpidem helped with.  Then you may chose between resuming zolpidem or trying alternative insomnia treatments.

Question 5

is it healthy/okay to have been on ambien (zolpidem) for the past 3 years, almost every single night?

Accepted Answer

It's not the best: sleeping medication is generally recommended for short-term use, generally 3-6 months.  Insomnia is caused by something, and your sleep problems should be more thoroughly investigated, and then the treatment should be directed at the cause.  Long-term use causes physical dependency and stopping abruptly can seriously worsen the insomnia. Talk to your doctor and/or get referral to sleep specialist.

Question 6

been taking ambien (zolpidem) for 2 years any ideas  on the best way to taper?

Accepted Answer

Insomnia: If you have taken Ambien (zolpidem) for long. You probably taper it slowly. If you were taking 10 mg, you can take 5 mg for 4 weeks then taper down to 2.5 mg for a month and then stop. You can take otc meds which are non habit forming. You can observe sleep hygiene which has shown to help with sleep. You can get the information from american sleep society.

Question 7

i have been taking ambien (zolpidem) for 8 years and my doc doesn't seem to think any thing is wrong with it. what do you think?

Accepted Answer

Re-evaluate this: Chronic Ambien (zolpidem) does deteriorate your sleep patterns, and potential sleep walking may develop.  Development of tolerance, with decreasing benefit another issue.  If your sleep problem involves a condition such as sleep apnea, this needs to be handled.  Would definitely recommend an overnight sleep study, and consultation from a sleep specialist.  Agree with your concerns.

Question 8

will an ambien (zolpidem) that is 4-5 years old still work?

Accepted Answer

I'd Say Yes: A silly little secret is that a lot of medications far outlive their expiration dates (and probably many's lives). Not all, but many and I'd bet Ambien (zolpidem) is one of them. For sure, it won't be toxic to you. Generally if you keep a medication in a cool protected area out of light (like a refrigerator) it will be good for a long time.

Question 9

will ambien (zolpidem) that is about 2 years old still be safe and effective ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Generally medications are effective about 2 years after the expiration date. You can only try and evaluate. All the best.

Question 10

i am a 39 year old female, can i take 2-5mg ambien (zolpidem) as 1 only allows 2 hrs of sleep.i have not slept more than 4 hrs a night in 2 years.

Accepted Answer

Alternatives: You have a sleep disordedr and Ambien (zolpidem) may not be the correct medicine. You should also have a formal sleep study and consult your physician regarding alternative medication.

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Doctor answers about:

Zolpiden not working taking it for 9 years

A member asked:

I was on ambien (zolpidem) for five years prior and it stopped working. so i should have no problems trying it again after 14 month hiatus?

A member asked:

Seroquel and luvox stopped working after 14 years, i can't sleep with ambien (zolpidem). i'm screwed, and scared i'm gonna die.

A member asked:

Took ambien (zolpidem) 10mg for 2 year's. my dr changed me to 15mg diazapam. not working for insomnia. if i already took the valium 20mg can i take a 10mg ambien (zolpidem)?

A member asked:

What is the best way to taper off ambien (zolpidem)? have been taking for 5 years 10mg every night.

A member asked:

Is it healthy/okay to have been on ambien (zolpidem) for the past 3 years, almost every single night?

A member asked:

Been taking ambien (zolpidem) for 2 years any ideas on the best way to taper?

A member asked:

I have been taking ambien (zolpidem) for 8 years and my doc doesn't seem to think any thing is wrong with it. what do you think?

A member asked:

Will an ambien (zolpidem) that is 4-5 years old still work?

A member asked:

Will ambien (zolpidem) that is about 2 years old still be safe and effective ?

A member asked:

I am a 39 year old female, can i take 2-5mg ambien (zolpidem) as 1 only allows 2 hrs of sleep.i have not slept more than 4 hrs a night in 2 years.

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