My primary doc also prescribes mine, 30 at a time, and I get it filled at Walmart. But last time I saw Pdoc he said I was 'dependent" on it, which is apparently a diagnosis of some kind, less than addiction. But since it's because of anxiety that I can't sleep, I think it makes a difference legally. I totally don't sleep without Ambien to get me there. The FDA is so concerned about people driving under the influence of residual Ambien, but what can be worse than someone driving who hasn't slept for days? Sheesh! They even have laws that truck drivers have to take 10 hrs off every 24 to prevent falling asleep behind the wheel. I just don't get it about the Ambien rules. Big Brother is here! If my therapist, an LMHC, says I need Ambien, will my pdoc have to prescribe it?