Comments on: Ambien Outrage http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/ Dr. John Grohol's daily update on all things in psychology and mental health. Since 1999. Sat, 26 May 2012 02:27:01 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jen http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-725881 Jen Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:52:05 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-725881 Thanks for writing in such detail. Your story sounds like my own. I have been seeing so many doctors just begging them to find out what is wrong with me for the last year. I have lost so much memory and it is so scary. I have always been a health person up until two years ago. It dawned on me today that I feel the best beginning around 3 or 4 in the afternoon each day. I have been on Ambien for about 5 years and today I started to think that maybe it has built up in my body for so long that it could be the problem. I asked the doctors several times if this could be causing the fatigue, tingling in face, memory loss, high blood pressure and depression lately. They all said no but the only way I will be able to rule it out is to take myself off of it and see how I feel. Tonight I will cut my dose of 5 mg in half and try to wean myself off it. Ambien has helped me sleep in the past I will admit but if it is what is zapping my personality and emotions than it is not worth it. Thank you for posting what you did. It seems to be right along with what I am experiencing. Have a good weekend and keep your fingers crossed for me! Thanks for writing in such detail. Your story sounds like my own. I have been seeing so many doctors just begging them to find out what is wrong with me for the last year. I have lost so much memory and it is so scary. I have always been a health person up until two years ago. It dawned on me today that I feel the best beginning around 3 or 4 in the afternoon each day. I have been on Ambien for about 5 years and today I started to think that maybe it has built up in my body for so long that it could be the problem. I asked the doctors several times if this could be causing the fatigue, tingling in face, memory loss, high blood pressure and depression lately. They all said no but the only way I will be able to rule it out is to take myself off of it and see how I feel. Tonight I will cut my dose of 5 mg in half and try to wean myself off it. Ambien has helped me sleep in the past I will admit but if it is what is zapping my personality and emotions than it is not worth it. Thank you for posting what you did. It seems to be right along with what I am experiencing. Have a good weekend and keep your fingers crossed for me!

]]> By: Missi http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-722635 Missi Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:13:30 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-722635 Ambien is a seriously dangerous drug that is being prescribed to patients who should NEVER, under ANY circumstance, use a dis-associative episode causing drug. My Fiance is in jail because he is mentally ill and was given ambien, by a licensed psychiatrist mind you. I am unable to go into everything that happened, at length, because this is an ongoing case. What I can say is; Ambien is known to cause dis-associative episodes in "normal" people. With people who have naturally occurring dis-associative episodes, it can cause violent reactions. My fiance believes he's going to go to prison and he doesn't even remember what he did to me that caused his arrest in the 1st place. He had been taking Seroquel 100mg 3x a day, he was prescribed both by the same doctor. He has a history of becoming violent during his episodes. This doctor should be the one with prison hanging over his head, not my fiance, who also happens to be the person who takes care of me. I told the DA honestly what had happened, they don't care. He just a criminal to them. He broke the law, he must pay. So I went to his PD and gave him every shred of evidence he needed to prove what had happened, or rather what I claim happened, is really what happened. I am disheartened by what we allow to pass for justice these days. When I look at my fiance, I see a beautiful, wonderful, good man, with a heart of gold. He does more for me in a day than anyone has ever done for me my whole life. Since he's been gone, 2mo. 15 days, I have lost an enormous amount of weight, 50lbs, but that was 2 weeks ago. I have shrunk since. I wore a tight 16 when he was taken, I wear a size 12 today. This man would not ever hurt me intentionally. The DA calls me "his" victim. No, I am just another victim of a system that protects it's own and does what is in its own, best interest. I don't know how all this is going to turn out. I am frightened to death of being forced to continue living without my fiance here. I am not afraid of my fiance, I am afraid of Ambien and the FDA for allowing something so obviously dangerous and life altering to be prescribed by doctors, who are simply given "incentives" to push certain medications. The doctors don't know what harm they may be causing. So, who is really at fault? The mentally ill man who took his meds as prescribed, and still had a reaction? The doctor who had his records that showed his history and gave him Ambien anyway? Or are we, The American People at fault? For turning a blind eye and allowing OUR government to continue allowing pharmaceutical companies to push drugs at us, that they know can, have and will continue to harm us? Where does the buck stop? And how many more citizens, and their loved ones, have to have their lives turned upside down or even destroyed? I read every comment posted here. I am sorry for all everyone has gone through. I am fighting a system that allows me little, if any, say in what will happen to my fiance. I am working as hard as I can. The wheels of "justice" turn slowly, very slowly, so finding out what will happen may still take weeks or even months. We have court in 2 days, all I can do is pray. I am afraid of how sick I will get if he doesn't come home to take care of me or how much worse his mental state will get if he continues to remain improperly medicated, in jail. Ambien needs to be taken off the market. After reading all I have read today, I am writing a letter to my congressman. I suggest everyone else do the same. Let's show these corporations that they do not control us. Change can happen if we all do our part. It starts with a letter, a phone call or an email to our elected representatives. If we don't try to change this, who will? It isn't happening to them, or if it is, perhaps the amnesiac properties of this drug are worse than we fear... Ambien is a seriously dangerous drug that is being prescribed to patients who should NEVER, under ANY circumstance, use a dis-associative episode causing drug. My Fiance is in jail because he is mentally ill and was given ambien, by a licensed psychiatrist mind you. I am unable to go into everything that happened, at length, because this is an ongoing case. What I can say is; Ambien is known to cause dis-associative episodes in “normal” people. With people who have naturally occurring dis-associative episodes, it can cause violent reactions. My fiance believes he’s going to go to prison and he doesn’t even remember what he did to me that caused his arrest in the 1st place. He had been taking Seroquel 100mg 3x a day, he was prescribed both by the same doctor. He has a history of becoming violent during his episodes. This doctor should be the one with prison hanging over his head, not my fiance, who also happens to be the person who takes care of me. I told the DA honestly what had happened, they don’t care. He just a criminal to them. He broke the law, he must pay. So I went to his PD and gave him every shred of evidence he needed to prove what had happened, or rather what I claim happened, is really what happened. I am disheartened by what we allow to pass for justice these days. When I look at my fiance, I see a beautiful, wonderful, good man, with a heart of gold. He does more for me in a day than anyone has ever done for me my whole life. Since he’s been gone, 2mo. 15 days, I have lost an enormous amount of weight, 50lbs, but that was 2 weeks ago. I have shrunk since. I wore a tight 16 when he was taken, I wear a size 12 today. This man would not ever hurt me intentionally. The DA calls me “his” victim. No, I am just another victim of a system that protects it’s own and does what is in its own, best interest. I don’t know how all this is going to turn out. I am frightened to death of being forced to continue living without my fiance here. I am not afraid of my fiance, I am afraid of Ambien and the FDA for allowing something so obviously dangerous and life altering to be prescribed by doctors, who are simply given “incentives” to push certain medications. The doctors don’t know what harm they may be causing. So, who is really at fault? The mentally ill man who took his meds as prescribed, and still had a reaction? The doctor who had his records that showed his history and gave him Ambien anyway? Or are we, The American People at fault? For turning a blind eye and allowing OUR government to continue allowing pharmaceutical companies to push drugs at us, that they know can, have and will continue to harm us? Where does the buck stop? And how many more citizens, and their loved ones, have to have their lives turned upside down or even destroyed? I read every comment posted here. I am sorry for all everyone has gone through. I am fighting a system that allows me little, if any, say in what will happen to my fiance. I am working as hard as I can. The wheels of “justice” turn slowly, very slowly, so finding out what will happen may still take weeks or even months. We have court in 2 days, all I can do is pray. I am afraid of how sick I will get if he doesn’t come home to take care of me or how much worse his mental state will get if he continues to remain improperly medicated, in jail. Ambien needs to be taken off the market. After reading all I have read today, I am writing a letter to my congressman. I suggest everyone else do the same. Let’s show these corporations that they do not control us. Change can happen if we all do our part. It starts with a letter, a phone call or an email to our elected representatives. If we don’t try to change this, who will? It isn’t happening to them, or if it is, perhaps the amnesiac properties of this drug are worse than we fear…

]]> By: AMBIEN VICTIM http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-2/#comment-722589 AMBIEN VICTIM Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:51:38 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-722589 KAT, your claim that Ambien doesnt have symptoms/side effects unless its taken for a longer period of time is simply NOT TRUE! I had strange uncharacterized behavior the first week that I took it. I had not even taken it every night but only when I couldnt sleep. I put a cigarette out on my arm the first night!..and I was wide awake one minute and woke up to the burning pain the next minute! The next time I took it, I found that I had gotten up in the night and made a hot dish. The only way I know this is because I found the hotdish on the bottom of my bookshelf! Something that needs to be made crystal clear here is that Ambien is not just a sleeping pill but it's a hypnotic drug! THAT is what doctors need to tell their patients BEFORE they prescribe it! Because you work with people who are medicated does not make you an authority. I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you but please don't make statements unless you have done your homework! I have read the drug company's test results and there were clearly a large percentage who displayed bizarre behavior right away. THIS DRUG NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET~ BUT, because big pharma will loose millions, they won't do it. Lining their pockets is more important than the safety of the public! KAT, your claim that Ambien doesnt have symptoms/side effects unless its taken for a longer period of time is simply NOT TRUE! I had strange uncharacterized behavior the first week that I took it. I had not even taken it every night but only when I couldnt sleep. I put a cigarette out on my arm the first night!..and I was wide awake one minute and woke up to the burning pain the next minute! The next time I took it, I found that I had gotten up in the night and made a hot dish. The only way I know this is because I found the hotdish on the bottom of my bookshelf!

Something that needs to be made crystal clear here is that Ambien is not just a sleeping pill but it’s a hypnotic drug! THAT is what doctors need to tell their patients BEFORE they prescribe it! Because you work with people who are medicated does not make you an authority. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to offend you but please don’t make statements unless you have done your homework! I have read the drug company’s test results and there were clearly a large percentage who displayed bizarre behavior right away. THIS DRUG NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET~ BUT, because big pharma will loose millions, they won’t do it. Lining their pockets is more important than the safety of the public!

]]> By: montee http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-722588 montee Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:34:58 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-722588 This is what happened to a very close friend. BEWARE OF AMBIEN! He found out that his 14 yr old and a friend were putting porn pics on the web of themselves. But when she was caught, she talked her mom and dad into just keeping it between them and her friend's parents. Then it happens again! By this time, mom and dad are divorced and vistation is set up with his 2 daughters coming to spend a week, every other week. Between the divorce and now problems with the 14yr old, the doc puts dad on ambien to help him sleep. To make things worse, the doc gives him antidepressants! The first night he takes the ambien and starts getting ready for bed. But friends unexpectantly drop by. Since his dr told him that Ambien is 'just a SLEEPING pill, how bad can it be? He figures he will just get tired. Since he's single now, friends dropping by is a common occurrance. His freinds start telling him about his somewhat bizarre behavior that they witness when they drop in and it's always after he's taken an Ambien. The behavior was always harmless but still, not himself and whats worse, he doesnt recall doing anything out of character. Although he usally didnt plan to have friends there when he had the girls, it's something that isnt always in his control so the girls saw some of his odd behavior. His 14 yr old begins to periodically say, 'dad, did you take your sleeping pill? I'll get it for you." She did this more and more while there for their visitation week. Unfortunately, he just thought it was harmless, maybe her way of helping him out. He had no idea that anything else might be going on. They had been getting along ok so why should he think otherwise? Then one day he comes home and finds his 14 yr old with the boy and they are in a compromising position. Understandably, he's upset and sends the boy packing and tells his daughter that she will not be able to see the boy again but also that she's lost all of her priveledges until he can figure out what to do. Of course an arguement ensues and she is threatening him that she will do whatever she wants and he can't stop her! Each day they argue until the end of the week came and he took her back home to her mom. That was on a Friday. On Sat afternoon he hears a knock on the door. He looks out and sees it's the police but since he hasnt anything to worry about, he answers the door. They proceed to arrest him for sexual assault against his 14 yr old daughter! There is a lot to tell but ultimately, he has lost everything, job as an architect, his home, land, all personal property and worst of all, his daughters! He sits in prison today. He does not recall ever doing anything inappropriate to her. They claim there are pics. However, he was shown 1 pic of his daughter and a man/boy but he said it clearly is not him. He has begged to see the police report, the 'other' pics that she claims she has or anything that will give him more information. But he gets nothing! All he can go by are the things he was told by his friends when they visited and when he was on Ambien, doing things that were totally out of character for him. To make matters worse, he spent 55k on a lawyer who was later found to be friends with his ex. Since he had no prior experience with the law, he had no choice but to trust his lawyer. What a mistake! While he sits in prison, the 14 yr old is living a pleasant life doing anything she wants. Her mom doesnt put any restraints on her activities so she is very happy! She has her dad out of her life the way she wanted! Meanwhile, his life is ruined! But the worst part is that he is being tore apart inside because he doesnt even know if he did something to harm her! PLEASE~DON'T TAKE THIS DRUG! This could EASILY HAPPEN TO ANYONE! This is what happened to a very close friend. BEWARE OF AMBIEN! He found out that his 14 yr old and a friend were putting porn pics on the web of themselves. But when she was caught, she talked her mom and dad into just keeping it between them and her friend’s parents. Then it happens again! By this time, mom and dad are divorced and vistation is set up with his 2 daughters coming to spend a week, every other week.

Between the divorce and now problems with the 14yr old, the doc puts dad on ambien to help him sleep. To make things worse, the doc gives him antidepressants! The first night he takes the ambien and starts getting ready for bed. But friends unexpectantly drop by. Since his dr told him that Ambien is ‘just a SLEEPING pill, how bad can it be? He figures he will just get tired. Since he’s single now, friends dropping by is a common occurrance. His freinds start telling him about his somewhat bizarre behavior that they witness when they drop in and it’s always after he’s taken an Ambien. The behavior was always harmless but still, not himself and whats worse, he doesnt recall doing anything out of character. Although he usally didnt plan to have friends there when he had the girls, it’s something that isnt always in his control so the girls saw some of his odd behavior.

His 14 yr old begins to periodically say, ‘dad, did you take your sleeping pill? I’ll get it for you.” She did this more and more while there for their visitation week. Unfortunately, he just thought it was harmless, maybe her way of helping him out. He had no idea that anything else might be going on. They had been getting along ok so why should he think otherwise?

Then one day he comes home and finds his 14 yr old with the boy and they are in a compromising position. Understandably, he’s upset and sends the boy packing and tells his daughter that she will not be able to see the boy again but also that she’s lost all of her priveledges until he can figure out what to do. Of course an arguement ensues and she is threatening him that she will do whatever she wants and he can’t stop her! Each day they argue until the end of the week came and he took her back home to her mom. That was on a Friday. On Sat afternoon he hears a knock on the door. He looks out and sees it’s the police but since he hasnt anything to worry about, he answers the door. They proceed to arrest him for sexual assault against his 14 yr old daughter!

There is a lot to tell but ultimately, he has lost everything, job as an architect, his home, land, all personal property and worst of all, his daughters! He sits in prison today. He does not recall ever doing anything inappropriate to her. They claim there are pics. However, he was shown 1 pic of his daughter and a man/boy but he said it clearly is not him. He has begged to see the police report, the ‘other’ pics that she claims she has or anything that will give him more information. But he gets nothing! All he can go by are the things he was told by his friends when they visited and when he was on Ambien, doing things that were totally out of character for him. To make matters worse, he spent 55k on a lawyer who was later found to be friends with his ex. Since he had no prior experience with the law, he had no choice but to trust his lawyer. What a mistake!

While he sits in prison, the 14 yr old is living a pleasant life doing anything she wants. Her mom doesnt put any restraints on her activities so she is very happy! She has her dad out of her life the way she wanted! Meanwhile, his life is ruined! But the worst part is that he is being tore apart inside because he doesnt even know if he did something to harm her! PLEASE~DON’T TAKE THIS DRUG! This could EASILY HAPPEN TO ANYONE!

]]> By: NeverAgain http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-720960 NeverAgain Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:38:43 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-720960 I wish I had investigated Ambien before taking it. I took an ambien and it didn't seem to work. Thats the last thing that I remember. Apparently that same evening I also took EIGHT MORE PILLS and I attempted to back my car out of the garage...right into another one of our cars in the driveway. I don't remember ANY OF IT. Never again. I have never ever had anything even close to this happen to me. I do not drink, I don't do drugs and now I don't take Ambien. I wish I had investigated Ambien before taking it. I took an ambien and it didn’t seem to work. Thats the last thing that I remember.

Apparently that same evening I also took EIGHT MORE PILLS and I attempted to back my car out of the garage…right into another one of our cars in the driveway. I don’t remember ANY OF IT. Never again. I have never ever had anything even close to this happen to me. I do not drink, I don’t do drugs and now I don’t take Ambien.

]]> By: Lynn http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-720074 Lynn Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:53:34 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-720074 PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. It ruined my life for 5 years. The first couple years everything seemed to be fine taking this drug. Then I started getting depressed so my doctor put me on Zoloft. I took one Zoloft pill and the Ambien the night before. Later that evening I started having severe burning in my legs and arms and having problems breathing and my heart pounding. I could not even walk and my husband was not home. I thought I was dying. I managed to get to a phone and called 911 and they got me to the hospital. They diagnosed me with serention syndrome and paraythesis. I have never had high blood pressure but my blood pressure was going up to 165 over 100 and then it would drop to 150 over 95. They finally got me stable and went home the next morning and was really weak. I thought this was just a allergic reaction to the Zoloft so I never took another one again. I then noticed my I started staying dizzy all the time and I would blame that on my allergies. The burning sensation and tingling in my arms and legs continued and would get worse at night . My shoulders would burn with this severe pain as well. It was getting to where I could not work and I could not handle the least little amount of stress. I thought what is going on with me. I really had no reasons to bre so stressed. I went to my internal doctor and she said the redness in your skin is caused by anxiety. This was another symptom I was having red streaks in my arms and legs. I kept telling these doctors I feel like I have posion in my body. They would run all these different blood test and find everything normal but it wasn't normal to me. The aches, pain & burning sensations in my body kept getting worse. I couldn't wait for nighttime to come so I could just take an ambien and go to sleep to get rid of this pain. This continued on for 3 more years. I saw rhumatolgist doctor, neurologist to check me for MS and any other autoimmune diseases. I had a brain scan everything was normal. Then these doctors diagnosed me with fybromyaglia and they tried to put me on lyrics. Iread the side effects and was scared to take it after the reaction that I had from Zoloft so I just continued to be in pain and continued taking the ambien. My uncle who is a retired infectious disease doctor said you need to get off the ambien. My thoughts were but I can't sleep and I had tried melatonin and it did not work for me so I continued taking the ambien and then I had another huge scare. I was still not getting a good night sleep on the ambien so the next day I would have no energy so I went to the health food store and they gave me this strong herbs to take in the morning and it also curbed my appetite and I thought this great. The next day I took another one and then I felt like these are to strong for me so the next day I did not take one. These were making my heart race. I then had the scare of my life I was laying Dow on the table getting waxed and I get up to get dressed and completely fell on my knees my legs gave out. I could not walk. I then finally was able to get up and walk to the desk to pay but I could barely walk. I am a very healthy girl. My legs have always bent he strongest part of my body. I workout all the time doing spin, Zumba & yoga classes.. I was thinking what is going on with my body. I was getting ready for our trip to Jamaica and I was thinking am I going to be able to go. Are my legs going give out on me again. It was like I was paralyzed. Went to Jamaica got back still feel bad all the time. I finally gave in and decided to take my uncle's advice and said I am ready to get off this ambien. I read online how other people managed to get off of it completely so I slices chips of the pill and would take a melatonin. The first couple of nights were a little restless but then I noticed I was able to sleep ad even dream which I rarely did on the ambien. I then noticed I was not having the severe burning in my legs, arms & back. The twitching was going away I forgot to mention that symptom. This was causing me to have severe nerve damage. Today 6 weeks and I am ambien free and I am getting my life back. I am still having a little tingling. I am feeling like a brand new person. I spent tons of money on doctor bills and none of these doctors could figure it out. It took my uncle who was a retired doctor to figure it out. All these doctors thought I was crazy. I think God everyday I am getting my life back. I beg you please don't use this drug!!!! I know this long but I really felt the need to share my story so I might be able to help someone and save you on expense of numerous doctor bills. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. It ruined my life for 5 years. The first couple years everything seemed to be fine taking this drug. Then I started getting depressed so my doctor put me on Zoloft. I took one Zoloft pill and the Ambien the night before. Later that evening I started having severe burning in my legs and arms and having problems breathing and my heart pounding. I could not even walk and my husband was not home. I thought I was dying. I managed to get to a phone and called 911 and they got me to the hospital. They diagnosed me with serention syndrome and paraythesis. I have never had high blood pressure but my blood pressure was going up to 165 over 100 and then it would drop to 150 over 95. They finally got me stable and went home the next morning and was really weak. I thought this was just a allergic reaction to the Zoloft so I never took another one again. I then noticed my I started staying dizzy all the time and I would blame that on my allergies. The burning sensation and tingling in my arms and legs continued and would get worse at night . My shoulders would burn with this severe pain as well. It was getting to where I could not work and I could not handle the least little amount of stress. I thought what is going on with me. I really had no reasons to bre so stressed. I went to my internal doctor and she said the redness in your skin is caused by anxiety. This was another symptom I was having red streaks in my arms and legs. I kept telling these doctors I feel like I have posion in my body. They would run all these different blood test and find everything normal but it wasn’t normal to me. The aches, pain & burning sensations in my body kept getting worse. I couldn’t wait for nighttime to come so I could just take an ambien and go to sleep to get rid of this pain. This continued on for 3 more years. I saw rhumatolgist doctor, neurologist to check me for MS and any other autoimmune diseases. I had a brain scan everything was normal. Then these doctors diagnosed me with fybromyaglia and they tried to put me on lyrics. Iread the side effects and was scared to take it after the reaction that I had from Zoloft so I just continued to be in pain and continued taking the ambien. My uncle who is a retired infectious disease doctor said you need to get off the ambien. My thoughts were but I can’t sleep and I had tried melatonin and it did not work for me so I continued taking the ambien and then I had another huge scare. I was still not getting a good night sleep on the ambien so the next day I would have no energy so I went to the health food store and they gave me this strong herbs to take in the morning and it also curbed my appetite and I thought this great. The next day I took another one and then I felt like these are to strong for me so the next day I did not take one. These were making my heart race. I then had the scare of my life I was laying Dow on the table getting waxed and I get up to get dressed and completely fell on my knees my legs gave out. I could not walk. I then finally was able to get up and walk to the desk to pay but I could barely walk. I am a very healthy girl. My legs have always bent he strongest part of my body. I workout all the time doing spin, Zumba & yoga classes.. I was thinking what is going on with my body. I was getting ready for our trip to Jamaica and I was thinking am I going to be able to go. Are my legs going give out on me again. It was like I was paralyzed. Went to Jamaica got back still feel bad all the time. I finally gave in and decided to take my uncle’s advice and said I am ready to get off this ambien. I read online how other people managed to get off of it completely so I slices chips of the pill and would take a melatonin. The first couple of nights were a little restless but then I noticed I was able to sleep ad even dream which I rarely did on the ambien. I then noticed I was not having the severe burning in my legs, arms & back. The twitching was going away I forgot to mention that symptom. This was causing me to have severe nerve damage. Today 6 weeks and I am ambien free and I am getting my life back. I am still having a little tingling. I am feeling like a brand new person. I spent tons of money on doctor bills and none of these doctors could figure it out. It took my uncle who was a retired doctor to figure it out. All these doctors thought I was crazy. I think God everyday I am getting my life back. I beg you please don’t use this drug!!!! I know this long but I really felt the need to share my story so I might be able to help someone and save you on expense of numerous doctor bills.

]]> By: Pinky http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-715915 Pinky Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:36:07 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-715915 I have not had any of the side effects. In fact I was taking a sleep aide from a health food store that made me dizzy and gave me vertigo. Ambien actually gives me pleasant dreams about things like puppies and ice cream. However this is super scary. I have PTSD and am going through something unbelievable and horrifying. Ambien is the only thing that has helped me sleep so far. I have been on it maybe a month. But the one thing it definatley has done and it is a clear difference is it makes me heat sick. I live in NYC with constant heat waves so I have been heat sick a lot. But the alternative is not to sleep! I have not had any of the side effects. In fact I was taking a sleep aide from a health food store that made me dizzy and gave me vertigo. Ambien actually gives me pleasant dreams about things like puppies and ice cream.
However this is super scary. I have PTSD and am going through something unbelievable and horrifying.
Ambien is the only thing that has helped me sleep so far. I have been on it maybe a month. But the one thing it definatley has done and it is a clear difference is it makes me heat sick. I live in NYC with constant heat waves so I have been heat sick a lot. But the alternative is not to sleep!

]]> By: mimi http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-708687 mimi Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:56:40 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-708687 DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG -- I was yesterday under arrest and am now facing jail time (60 year old grandmother, who never smoked pot) because of this stupid drug!!! Have no memory from approximately 8:30 in the evening until 1:30 AM at the police station in handcuffs and vehicle with approximately $3,000 worth of damage -- I have no idea what happened during that time frame. Please save yourselves the trouble, expense and possible jail time. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG — I was yesterday under arrest and am now facing jail time (60 year old grandmother, who never smoked pot) because of this stupid drug!!! Have no memory from approximately 8:30 in the evening until 1:30 AM at the police station in handcuffs and vehicle with approximately $3,000 worth of damage — I have no idea what happened during that time frame. Please save yourselves the trouble, expense and possible jail time.

]]> By: William Restoff http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-693966 William Restoff Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:52:47 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-693966 Stay away from this drug!!!!! use a hammer to get some sleep before taking ambien! This drug will kill you and or ruin your life. Trust me I know, I had a life changing experience while taking this drug. Never trust a doctor to get a quality night of sleep. Do your homework about the medication first!!! Stay away from this drug!!!!! use a hammer to get some sleep before taking ambien! This drug will kill you and or ruin your life. Trust me I know, I had a life changing experience while taking this drug. Never trust a doctor to get a quality night of sleep. Do your homework about the medication first!!!

]]> By: A in buffalo,ny http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-683828 A in buffalo,ny Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:12:44 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-683828 I been taking ambien for 5 or 6 years now and I've experienced . eating and talking jibberish and talking on the phone, even having sex, but there was allways some kind of memory except for the food, never remembered eating but I would wake up with my kitchen a mess. up until now I really didn't think it was something to get too alarmed about. Just thought I was hungry. I've heard of people that took it and woke up in like isle 8 of they're super market with cart of food and they have no memory of how they got there or what they were doing. I always thought those were just stories and that stuff really didn't happen. Well I sure was wrong. Recently I took my ambien right after dinner like I usually did and sat on my couch for a min with my wife to have a cig before bed. Sometime while I was smoking it kicked in. That's where it all went blank! My wife takes ambien as well. She said we had a beer together and then went to bed, well I didnt go to bed, she said instead she woke up to the sound of the car pulling out the driveway, when she tried to stop me she said that I said I was going for a tim hortons coffee and almost hit her with the car and drove away with no lights on. Now we went and got a coffee earlier in the afternoon. I don't know if that had something to do with where I was going or what. Next thing I remember is standing in jail being told to blow in machine, which I blew 0.09 .then blank again. Then I woke up in a cell acouple hours later. In which I got booked and released. its 30 degrees outside and I can't believe what im wearing. While asleep I got dressed. Changed from pj's into cargo pants no briefs, a thin, thin sweatshirt I've never seen before no socks and my neighbors sneakers he uses to mow his grass with. Now im just shocked, cars in impound and I have no clue what happen. Now im charged with DWI, and driving on the sidewalk with a whole bunch other tickets, facing 1 1\3-4 yrs in jail. Obviously im done taking ambien. Good to c other people have similar stories regarding this medication. Too bad the court isn't going to except that as a legitimate excuse. It doesn't make it ok for me driving but I think when stuff like this happens it should be taken under consideration that when you take ambien, its like temporary insanity, because you really have no control over your actions or be able to make rational, clear decisions. I hope people read this either a ambien veteran or someone thinking about taking it, and that you decide not too, or if you must take it atleast hear what happen to me and don't think for one second it can't happen to you. I been taking ambien for 5 or 6 years now and I’ve experienced . eating and talking jibberish and talking on the phone, even having sex, but there was allways some kind of memory except for the food, never remembered eating but I would wake up with my kitchen a mess. up until now I really didn’t think it was something to get too alarmed about. Just thought I was hungry. I’ve heard of people that took it and woke up in like isle 8 of they’re super market with cart of food and they have no memory of how they got there or what they were doing. I always thought those were just stories and that stuff really didn’t happen. Well I sure was wrong. Recently I took my ambien right after dinner like I usually did and sat on my couch for a min with my wife to have a cig before bed. Sometime while I was smoking it kicked in. That’s where it all went blank! My wife takes ambien as well. She said we had a beer together and then went to bed, well I didnt go to bed, she said instead she woke up to the sound of the car pulling out the driveway, when she tried to stop me she said that I said I was going for a tim hortons coffee and almost hit her with the car and drove away with no lights on. Now we went and got a coffee earlier in the afternoon. I don’t know if that had something to do with where I was going or what. Next thing I remember is standing in jail being told to blow in machine, which I blew 0.09 .then blank again. Then I woke up in a cell acouple hours later. In which I got booked and released. its 30 degrees outside and I can’t believe what im wearing. While asleep I got dressed. Changed from pj’s into cargo pants no briefs, a thin, thin sweatshirt I’ve never seen before no socks and my neighbors sneakers he uses to mow his grass with. Now im just shocked, cars in impound and I have no clue what happen. Now im charged with DWI, and driving on the sidewalk with a whole bunch other tickets, facing 1 1\3-4 yrs in jail. Obviously im done taking ambien. Good to c other people have similar stories regarding this medication. Too bad the court isn’t going to except that as a legitimate excuse. It doesn’t make it ok for me driving but I think when stuff like this happens it should be taken under consideration that when you take ambien, its like temporary insanity, because you really have no control over your actions or be able to make rational, clear decisions. I hope people read this either a ambien veteran or someone thinking about taking it, and that you decide not too, or if you must take it atleast hear what happen to me and don’t think for one second it can’t happen to you.

]]> By: ambien http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-678740 ambien Sun, 07 Nov 2010 08:39:13 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-678740 I took Ambien for years and it helped me sleep, at first. Then, instead of sleeping I would walk around without any memory of it. I gained weight from eating without any memory. I think Ambien could be great for occasional insomnia but I don't recommend it for long term use. I took Ambien for years and it helped me sleep, at first. Then, instead of sleeping I would walk around without any memory of it. I gained weight from eating without any memory. I think Ambien could be great for occasional insomnia but I don’t recommend it for long term use.

]]> By: Sleepless In Seattle http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-675706 Sleepless In Seattle Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:27:54 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-675706 I thought it was a dream, but it wasn't. I woke up to the worst pasta salad ever. I put weird things from my pantry in it, including bean soup mix and whole garlic cloves. I also broke a glass and put the big pieces on the counter but left the small. If only my dogs could talk. I think that the problem isn't really that you don't know what you're doing but you forget what you did. Although in no condition to drive I think I was aware enough to turn off oven and cook food. I thought it was a dream, but it wasn’t. I woke up to the worst pasta salad ever. I put weird things from my pantry in it, including bean soup mix and whole garlic cloves. I also broke a glass and put the big pieces on the counter but left the small. If only my dogs could talk. I think that the problem isn’t really that you don’t know what you’re doing but you forget what you did. Although in no condition to drive I think I was aware enough to turn off oven and cook food.

]]> By: Ambien User http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-674838 Ambien User Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:48:51 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-674838 I find Ambien effective in fighting off severe OCD with paranoia. Oh, it does not go away, but at least I can function while not having emotional pain. When I get to work I take it with my soft drink. I would say I take it on the average of 3 times a day. When I run out I just order more online. Every so often I can go back to my doctor and get ambien by perscritpion for only $15. I also dream in almost photographic detail while on ambien. Last night my dream consisted of me being at a swimming resort swimming with tourists and a few bathers dressed as pengiums. I find Ambien effective in fighting off severe OCD with paranoia. Oh, it does not go away, but at least I can function while not having emotional pain. When I get to work I take it with my soft drink. I would say I take it on the average of 3 times a day. When I run out I just order more online. Every so often I can go back to my doctor and get ambien by perscritpion for only $15.

I also dream in almost photographic detail while on ambien. Last night my dream consisted of me being at a swimming resort swimming with tourists and a few bathers dressed as pengiums.

]]> By: Bitsy http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-670330 Bitsy Sun, 19 Sep 2010 02:40:10 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-670330 I am a self proclaimed A-head. My sister too. I've found that I have a 10 minute window from the time I take my pill until the amnesiac properties take over. Family knows not to call past 7:30 because I won't remember the conversation. We have both learned we can become financial moron's if we get online. Unfortunately the "surprise shopping" shows up in a big brown truck a few times a week with our "special deliveries. The best one is a years subscription to Ancestry.Com for $200. WTF???? I'll bet you've never woke up with Reeces Pieces stuck to your ass. I sure did. Brought a bag to bed with me. BIG MISTAKE! The most comical part is getting a call from my sister the day and she asks: Do you remember calling me last night? Knowing the answer is an obvious NO. But we love our little white pills and aint gonna give em up. I am a self proclaimed A-head. My sister too. I’ve found that I have a 10 minute window from the time I take my pill until the amnesiac properties take over. Family knows not to call past 7:30 because I won’t remember the conversation. We have both learned we can become financial moron’s if we get online. Unfortunately the “surprise shopping” shows up in a big brown truck a few times a week with our “special deliveries. The best one is a years subscription to Ancestry.Com for $200. WTF????
I’ll bet you’ve never woke up with Reeces Pieces stuck to your ass. I sure did. Brought a bag to bed with me. BIG MISTAKE! The most comical part is getting a call from my sister the day and she asks: Do you remember calling me last night? Knowing the answer is an obvious NO.
But we love our little white pills and aint gonna give em up.

]]> By: joe http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/comment-page-3/#comment-669122 joe Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:18:21 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/05/29/2142/#comment-669122 I took my regular perscribed ambien last night IN BED like usual. The next thing I knew I felt an impact and my face going into an airbag. The cops asked if I had been drinking. I was honest with what happened even though I believe I was still under the effects. They let me go. I don't really remember walking home....I think my car is totaled. I tried to get it back today but they said they are still doing an "investigation." I don't know if I'm going to be in any kind of legal trouble. I'm not even positive what I hit. I think it was a street light at a somewhat high rate of speed. Now I have no car. Am a full time student at a school that is about a half hour drive away. And a reservist at a reserve unit that is about an hour drive away....I'm stuck. I'm screwed. I don't know what to do. I cannot believe I did this. I had done things like go walking around. Write emails. Eat odd stuff. But I had always been smart enough to NOT GET IN MY CAR. I finally screwed that up last night. I took my regular perscribed ambien last night IN BED like usual. The next thing I knew I felt an impact and my face going into an airbag. The cops asked if I had been drinking. I was honest with what happened even though I believe I was still under the effects. They let me go. I don’t really remember walking home….I think my car is totaled. I tried to get it back today but they said they are still doing an “investigation.” I don’t know if I’m going to be in any kind of legal trouble. I’m not even positive what I hit. I think it was a street light at a somewhat high rate of speed. Now I have no car. Am a full time student at a school that is about a half hour drive away. And a reservist at a reserve unit that is about an hour drive away….I’m stuck. I’m screwed. I don’t know what to do. I cannot believe I did this. I had done things like go walking around. Write emails. Eat odd stuff. But I had always been smart enough to NOT GET IN MY CAR. I finally screwed that up last night.

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