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Are Anxiety And Lack Of Sleep Withdrawal Symptoms Of Ambien?

Posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2017

Question: Hello, looking for some reassurance please. Under a physician's care, I have been prescribed .25 Clonazepam at bedtime to help with insomnia due to Ambien withdrawal (only took 12 doses of prescribed Ambien for jet lag/travel sleep but had a bad reaction of anxiety and am also experiencing withdrawal). I am on day 5 of Ambien withdrawal and have been told it should be much better by Friday (a week after the final dose since it was short term). Do you think it's okay to take the Clonazepam? How long would it take my doctor to wean me off it later? I don't like the idea of treating a benzo withdrawal with another benzo but I have terrible anxiety, insomnia and tremors that I'm waiting to pass. I'm exhausted and defeated. I'll feel better taking it with another physician's affirmation! Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The symptoms will go away by own in some time

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking

Yes the withdrawal symptoms will definitely reduce in a week of stopping the drug. You have take Ambien for a week only so the risk of prolonged withdrawal is rare. Just remain relaxed, use the Clonazepam in low doses on SOS basis. Clonazepam 0.25 mg is a low dose and use the drug on SOS basis only. Avoid using this drug regularly.

The anxiety is partly due to withdrawal partly due to anticipation that you will develop serious symptoms. Just remain relaxed, the mild withdrawal symptoms will go by own.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (4 minutes later)

Thank you. Please define SOS

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Use the drug when needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello again
This means that use the drug in emergency situations when needed only.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 minutes later)

So it's okay to use during the withdrawal period, which should be ending soon?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it's okay to use

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Yes that okay to use. The withdrawal will end by own soon. Ambien is a very safe drug.

Thanks and Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar