Posted by geno on December 13, 2001, at 16:55:45
In reply to Re: ambein, posted by paxvox on December 13, 2001, at 9:36:25
> Ambien has a short half-life, and thus,can cause a lot of people to wake early. This is the same problem with Sonata. Neither is a benzo, however they have an affinity to the benzo receptors in the CNS. I have run the wheel on all types of meds to improve my sleep. I have had success with Ambien in the past,and am taking it now.
>
> If you are waking up in the middle of the night on Ambien then maybe it's not for you. Personally, I prefer the benzos, but most docs don't like to chronically prescribe them (don't get my rant going here).
>
> I would suggest the benzo to GET you to sleep, then consider trying Sonata if you wake at night. It has VERY short half-life, even shorter than Ambien.
>
> A note of caution: both Sonata and Ambien (and for me even Halcion) CAN cause some panic disorders for no particular reason (well,there IS a chemical reason). However, I have found that benzos used at the same time in your med therapy will control this. One needs to be on the "look out" for this particular side effect. It has NOT happened to me THIS round while on Ambien, and I hope it does not. However, being aware that WHEN you DO have a panic attack that it MIGHT be the hypnotic agent causing it, helps you deal better with the attack. Unfortunately, it may mean that you will have to go off the hypnotic. Hopefully, you will have an understanding doc (good luck!) who will give you more (or stronger) benzos when/if this happens.
>
> For me, the advantages of taking the meds are NOT outweighed by the potential side effects. I guess we each need to know how we react to meds.
>
> PAXWell, it must be causing panic disorder for me. Last night, again i woke up after 10mg of ambien at 11pm, i could feel my body wake right up. And it seems about 5 minutes later, the panic feeling came back. i had no benzos, so i popped another 10mg. Well this time i woke up at 5am. Even worse. Im sick of it, Im going back on remeron. I was so tired to day, and full of anxiety. i dont care about the wieght gain, ill feel better.
poster:geno
thread:86614
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/86828.html