Ambien
Just wanted to state for the record, for accuracy’s sake, that Ambien
(zolpidem) is a NON-BENZODIAZEPINE hypnotic. It is *NOT* chemically related to
the
benzos at all (e.g. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, etc.)
HOWEVER, it does act on the GABA-benzo receptor complex on the brain and
shares some of the same properties as benzos (e.g. tolerance, dependence, etc.).
It shouldn’t be combined with benzos unless directed by a doctor because of CNS
depression. Also, as a CNS depressant, the manufacturer warns against
prescribing it for patients exhibiting signs of depression. This is why a
consult
with an actual psychiatrist is a good idea, IMHO.
Half-life of Ambien is an average of 2.5 hours which is short, and it has no
active metabolites. A generalized translation: Should be out of your system
quickly, possibly too quickly to keep you asleep the entire night.
Also, Ambien acts quickly, so it should be taken only when bedtime is near.
Normal dosage is 10 mg, but doses can range from 5mg to 40mg, depending on
the patient.
Hope this helps clear up the confusion! Ambien helped me get through the
insomnia of Lexapro, but Restoril (a bona-fide benzo) at the high dosage of 30mg
really did the trick.
Here’s wishing everyone a restful night,
Brian in Houston