Ambien withdrawal

[sicraw]

I have taken 10 mg a night for 5 years.  Off and on I would get aches under my rib, but they would go.  Nothing else seemed off.  I had a hysterectomy (major surgery) and after that, it seems that ALOT of side effects of ambien started.  I'm going to list some and see if others have had the same thing.  High anxiety/panic attacks, face flushing, sweating, my right side hurt (like I either had kidney stones or gall bladder stones - which I don't have either since I had an ultra sound), my bladder hurt (dr thought I had a UTI, which I didn't) and my right eye was really sore.  I quit ct (which after reading, I probably shouldn't have) and am on almost two weeks.  The first week was hell.  Especially the panic attacks.  I used an over the counter sleep aid, because I knew that if I had to deal with no sleep at all and all this other stuff, I would be in the hospital.  Most of the day things are gone - I actually feel pretty good - almost to my normal.  I have cut my over the counter sleep aid in half and will go on something more natural in the next few days.  It seems the only lasting effect is a side pain by my lower right rib.  I touch it and it is sore.  I think it is myalgia.  Anyone have any of these symptons and how long will it take to really clear from my system?

[sicraw]

Wow - on day 18. Better so far, but yesterday was one of my worst. At work and couldn't accomplish anything. Searched and found an empty office and laid on the floor in the dark on and off - wow is all I can say. Couldn't eat anything. It is so weird, but Monday and Tuesday were h3ll but around 6 pm each night, it just tapers away and I can get a little food in me and by bedtime, I feel great. Today, I woke up nauseous but forced food down and it feels like it will be a better one. I also have found that getting up from my desk and going outside periodically to walk a bit helps. I should have called in sick yesterday, I was useless. It is hard to focus at work some days, but I get there. Who knew coming off of Ambien would be so hard. Never had to come off pain meds, but if it is worse than this, my heart goes out to all of you!  I am now on a nautical sleep aid (melatonin) and it seems to work pretty well. Should have tried that first :). Thanks everyone out there giving advice. I don't think you realize how helpful it is when it feels like you are nuts.

[sicraw]

Natural sleep aid - not nautical.

[dominosarah]

We are glad you found us and could help.  Today is a new day!!  Oh and we are all a little nuts around here!! lol

[sicraw]

Quick question for you Dominosarah - you have been posting awhile - did you go through this or are you a counselor to help others?

[sicraw]

Is it normal to have backaches during recovery?  My lower back is sore.

[clean_in_ks]

Yes, we have pain receptors in our backs and a hypnotic drug like Ambien affects those receptors.  We call it "rebound pain".  It gets intense at first, and with time (I know, there's that dang word!) it will settle down and get better.  You're doing great!  I know 2 family members on Ambien and they have been on it for YEARS!!  So glad you are getting off of it.  It's a difficult feat, but you will be so proud of yourself when you look back on this time.

P.S.  If you want to read about the rebound pain, the Wikipedia explanation of "opiate induced hyperalgesia" will help explain it.  I realize Ambien isn't an opiate, but the nervous system and pain receptors are still affected by all those meds classified as a "hypnotic or sedative".

[sicraw]

Thanks. the more information I get, the better I can deal with the symptoms.  Everyone has been so great to answer questions and support.

[sicraw]

Day 19 - woke of a little nauseated - but today is better than Tuesday - same as yesterday.  I find that if I think about something stressful it puts me in a little panic attack.  I have to consciously not think about stressful things right now.  Again - this has been such a crazy ride.  I have read old posts and some people, who have been on it for years, have had no w/d symptons other then no sleep.  Wow - I guess everyone else is different.  I am sleeping ok (I think Melatonin helps) - but it is the day stuff that is killing me.  A little nauseous, appetite is small (which I guess isn't all bad since I have lost weight - not recommended though), anxiety, etc.  I know everyone handles things differently.  Ready to be at peace again though.

[sicraw]

I'm amending this last one.  Today isn't as bad as Tuesday, but definitely not as good as yesterday - ugh!