I’m a 20-year-old female struggling with insomnia since puberty. My sleep typically runs from 5am to 2pm. Stress and anxiety worsen my condition, pushing my sleep to even later hours. My doctor hesitated to prescribe Ambien due to potential cognitive decline and brain damage risks, especially given my age. Despite trying numerous sleep aids like Trazodone, Hydroxyzine, Doxylamine, and Melatonin, none have been effective. I’ve recently used Clonidine, which initially helped, but had to stop due to it lowering my blood pressure too much. I’m considering asking my psychiatrist for Ambien, despite my primary doctor’s warnings. Are there significant risks associated with Ambien for my age group? What other treatment options should I consider?
Ambien was a nightmare for me. It led to addiction, sleepwalking, and I never felt fully rested. It can cause bizarre behaviors, as evidenced by incidents in the news where people do things under its influence without remembering.
You might consider muscimol isolate, a less distressing alternative, though it’s not FDA-approved. It’s not considered a pharmaceutical, similar to how melatonin supplements are regulated.
Quince said:
You might consider muscimol isolate, a less distressing alternative, though it’s not FDA-approved. It’s not considered a pharmaceutical, similar to how melatonin supplements are regulated.
I looked it up and found that it hasn’t been approved by the FDA.
@Shan
Correct, muscimol isn’t a pharmaceutical drug, and like many supplements, it’s not FDA approved. It’s used similarly to compounds like glycine or l-theanine.
Be cautious with Ambien, especially if you have ADHD. It can lead to behaviors like sleepwalking. Lunesta might be a safer option. Remember, these medications should be temporary aids, not long-term solutions.
@Scout
Ambien can also cause people to act out, including aggressive behaviors they don’t remember.
Kris said:
@Scout
Ambien can also cause people to act out, including aggressive behaviors they don’t remember.
Yes, there are even songs about strange behaviors on Ambien, highlighting its effects.
I’ve dealt with severe insomnia all my life and have tried Ambien among other medications. They all can cause cognitive decline and dependence. Have you tried sleep studies with a neurologist or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)?
@Rory
Switching from Ambien and trazodone to natural remedies like music and relaxation techniques has improved my sleep without the side effects.
Nori said:
@Rory
Switching from Ambien and trazodone to natural remedies like music and relaxation techniques has improved my sleep without the side effects.
Glad to hear that. Managing sleep without medications is challenging but beneficial in the long run. I use a combination of medications and lifestyle changes to manage my conditions, but it’s always a struggle.
Ambien caused severe side effects for my mom, including a hangover-like state that affected her even during the day. Be cautious with its use.