Intermittent Benzo Use and Ambien

[TracyJS]

Hi Everyone,
I need some help. I tapered off of Clonazepam a few months ago. Recently my anxiety got so bad, so I have been taking Benzos (Xanax and Ativan) intermittently for about 3 weeks.

First week about 5 times, the last 2 weeks about 3 times. I've also been taking Ambien 10mg to sleep every night for 7 weeks or so.

I am assuming I need to taper the Ambien, but my doctor says I don't.

Also, do I need to taper the Benzos? My anxiety and tinnitus are worse and I'm wondering if I'm experiencing withdrawals with intermittent use.

Thanks.

 

[TracyJS]

Reading more about it, I think I have made some very serious mistakes here and I'm really worried I've caused some long term damage. I didn't realize zolpidem is like a Benzo in how it works in the brain. I've maybe been going through withdrawals daily with this drug, which would explain the panic attacks and severe anxiety lately along with worsening tinnitus.

So worried. Don't know what to do.

 

[glynis]

@TracyJS ,I took zolpidem for about 6 weeks but about 4 out of 7 days then the doctor changed me to a low AD for sleep.
If you have been on it every day for a long time it needs a slow taper.
love glynis

 

[glynis]

@TracyJS ,
What does your doctor want you to do ?
Do you still need meds for sleep?
if so you need to find a long term solution.

If you have GAD general anxiety disorder you might need long term meds and counselling.
Talk to your doctor because your anxiety needs to be stable before reducing /tapering or will cause more stress.
love glynis x

 

[85dB T]

've also been taking Ambien 10mg to sleep every night for 7 weeks or so.

Hi @TracyJS, I'm new in this forum, learning my way around, following @glynis and noticed the word Ambien. I had a bad experience with this drug. Other people have had trouble as well. Just thought I'd mention this. Effects of Ambien being similar to LSD, sleep walking as well as other unconscious behavior.

 

[DebInAustralia]

Hi Everyone,
I need some help. I tapered off of Clonazepam a few months ago. Recently my anxiety got so bad, so I have been taking Benzos (Xanax and Ativan) intermittently for about 3 weeks.

First week about 5 times, the last 2 weeks about 3 times. I've also been taking Ambien 10mg to sleep every night for 7 weeks or so.

I am assuming I need to taper the Ambien, but my doctor says I don't.

Also, do I need to taper the Benzos? My anxiety and tinnitus are worse and I'm wondering if I'm experiencing withdrawals with intermittent use.

Thanks.

Hi Tracy,

I have something to send you that may help give you some ideas with neuroplasticity/anxiety and tinnitus. Where shall I send it?