[QUOTE=ger715;1124786]Thanks Gerry. I have a similar sounding drug on prescription called Zopiclone. My GP prescribes it for infrequent use as it apparently addictive. I feel the same way about it as you feel about your drug Ambien. It enables me to sleep through the night as nothing else ever does. I take one or two a week as my special treat! Mat

[QUOTE=MAT52;1124790]
Mat,

I had asked the pharmacist about this med being addictive . Asked him what would be the consequence of my stoping the Ambien? He said it's only addictive as being addictive to sleep. The downside; you won't get the sleep you were getting from using it.

Mat; sleep is a "special treat" for many of us that find sleeping otherwise difficult.


Gerry

I also have a script for zolpidem (generic Ambien), and likewise my GP will only prescribe it sparingly for infrequent use. (I get fourteen 5 mg caplets at a time with one refill.) It's a godsend on those nights when I can't get to sleep and I have to get up in the morning.

Two years ago the FDA lowered the recommended dosage because of residual morning affects of the the higher dosages. I nearly died when I saw this because 2.5 mg is enough to knock me out, and I'm not small at all.

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsro.../ucm334798.htm

The FDA has informed the manufacturers that the recommended dosage of zolpidem for women should be lowered from 10 milligrams (mg) to 5 mg for immediate-release products (Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist) and from 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg for extended-release products (Ambien CR). For men, the FDA has informed the manufacturers that the labeling should recommend that health care professionals consider prescribing these lower doses (5 mg for immediate-release products and 6.25 mg for extended-release products).

I agree; there is a big difference. The 10mg does not last long enough. The extra 2.5 comes in a little later (time release) which helps continue the effect.

I had to get a Prior Authorization from my doctor for insurance; but also the amount they are about allowed and dosage because of the FDA requirements. I had previously been able to get 90 (3 month dose). Now I can get only 30 at a time each month can no longer get a 3 month supply.

It's so nice to know the FDA knows what we need. Except when we really need them to weed out .


Gerry

I'm excited because I'm away from home just now and found a health store where I was able to get Biofreeze and magnesium oil so I'm going to be experimenting tonight - coming off Cymbalta slowly now so the timing is hopefully very good. This support group is wonderful!!

Maybe try Epsom salt baths. A women saved my life by telling me about these. I use half a tall box of epsom salts in about 6 inches of very warm water and soak in it for 1 hour It takes 45 minutes for the magnesium to get back onto the pain nerves. When the pain nerves fire the magnesium gets knocked off the nerve. When the magnesium gets back on the nerve it stops firing signals.
Works better than any medicine has. It saved my life.

Thanks - I keep forgetting to try the Epsom salts but I am now spraying myself with magnesium oil after my bath or shower. Not sure whether it is helping much or not because I'm weaning off Cymbalta just now and the pain and headaches and nausea are absolutely horrible. I will never try one of this type of drugs again. Epsom salts here I come!

Be sure to read on the box as to how much to use and how much water. It doesn't take long for your body to absorb it.

Mrs D, in a few sentences you have logically answered the question that I have puzzled over for years!

Thank you!

My small-fiber neuropathy is typically in my palms, and I will unfortunately feel tingling and sometimes burning as one of my first sensations in the morning as I awake.

However, within a few seconds of my getting out of bed the pain seems to literally fade away. I will also notice the pain during the day when I try to take a nap, so again this makes perfect sense!

You are such a wonderful resource!

David

one of those nonsleep nights and the special treat comment really resonates right now. I took melatonin, though I have found the quality of sleep higher (the 2-4 broken I get) the quantity and duration are lousy.