Ambien & depression connection?

[romulus]

I take ambien to sleep at night.  If I have them, I take them.  If I don't have any, I take benedryl and do fine.  Sometimes I don't take anything and will usually be fine (no middle of the night wake ups).  

I don't get withdrawals when I run out.  When I take ambien,  I do find that I get depressed the next day yet when it's bedtime, I love knowing I can take something that will relax me and put me to sleep.  

Does this sound like an addiction?  The fact that I take something when I really don't need it yet like the feeling it gives me?  Would like some advice.  Thanks,

[Lotte789]

What you wrote exactly describes me. If I have it, I'll take it. If I don't, I don't.
No withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes I'll take melatonin or sometimes nothing.
But I love having that guarantee of taking a pill that will produce a good night's sleep.
What to do.
What to do.

I realize you posted this eons ago. But whatev. :)

[lurker]

I took Ambien a few times-while I awoke feeling rested my husband said I was up out of bed more than I was in, and I found myself in the kitchen eating (and I don't know why) brown sugar and butter.  I what some would call pharmacologically optomistic, never met a drug I don't like but this one actually scare me a lot!  I agree with GaGuy - you don't always need it so try to do without it and see how you feel.  Good luck

[GA Guy]

You answered every one of your questions in your post. All addicts know when they're doing something that's not quite right. You know, in your mind, that taking this stuff when you don't need it is not a good thing for your body. If I were you, I'd do my best to quit before the addiction becomes unmanageable. You're just one step from getting yourself into some real trouble. PS...I've taken Ambien many times before, too. I googled it and read up on some of the side effects from chronic use. It scared me into not wanting to ever use it again. It's not as safe a drug as the manufacturer makes out.