[Yack]

Is Ambien addictive?

[kimmydawn]

it's my understanding that most all sleeping meds can be habit forming (the body can get used to them and not sleep well without them). i also know that my dr would only let me take it for 7 days at a time. however, my cousin was on it for forever (like over a year or something) it seemed like and started having problems.

that's all i know

[(JD)]

Yes, it can be. Ambien is really for short term help in resetting your sleeping pattern. If you find a sleep aid helps you, through using the Ambien, then for long term if needed switch to Lunesta. or something like it as it is approved for long-term use.

[bipolar_bear]

I have been taking ambien for a long time. It is my understanding that it can be habit forming but I have not found this to be so in my case. The good outweighs the bad for me.

I would certainly look into all of the sleep meds and their pros and cons. They say some are more addictive than others. I am sure your pdoc can tell you more about these meds. As with any med make an informed decision before taking them.

Good luck finding the right sleeping med that works well for you.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

I have been on Ambein for 3 years maybe 4. Lunestra is said to not be addictive but if you look BOTH meds up right on their sites both state they can be addictive,..I think they used the words.....dependant but check the websites out and see.

[jmo531]

I think so. My Doc gave me a months worth and thats it. I used it it maybe 2 times. I have found that OTC meds such as Tylenol PM work just as well.

[gardenergirl]

My understanding is that if you take it longer term and then stop, you might have difficulty getting to sleep. Although that seems obvious to me, since you are taking it for sleep problems, anyway.

My mother has taken it every night for a few years now. It's still working fine, and she has not needed an increase in order for it to keep working. Needing increasing doses for the same effect is one of the criteria for addiction. But certainly one could become physically dependent on it.

As others have said, it's a good thing to discuss with your doc. Docs vary on whether they will use it long term. My pdoc has no objection to me using it regularly if I need it.

gg

[dottie]

Hi.

Ambien is a schedule 1V controlled substance. Yes it can become addictice if taken longer than recommended.

~Dottie