Dr stopped my ambien (zolpidem) for insomnia. tried trazadone 25 mg.for 1 month, lethargy next day unbearable. now i'm to take 10 mg melatonin, as 5mg did nothing. seems like huge dose. ambien (zolpidem) worked perfectly. ?

Reason for insomnia?: Obviously, a number of medication options exist to help one sleep nowadays. Did your doctor explain why they wanted you to stop the Ambien (zolpidem) in favor of trazodone which caused unbearable side effects? Melatonin could be titrated up from 5 to 10 more slowly but what I'd like to ask as a starting question is, "What is the REASON for the insomnia and how is that being addressed?"

Sleep aids: Ambien (zolpidem) is generally a very safe medication when used as prescribed ensuring that you don't consume alcohol or take with other sleep meds. I would recommend discussing with your doctor why the ambien (zolpidem) was stopped. Melatonin 10mg is not excessive and although is at the higher end of the usual dosage, is very safe. If this works for you, I would stick with melatonin as the side effects are less.