Hello..
I have been on ambien pretty much non-stop for well over a year now. Initially I really needed it because of a severe lupus flare, joint problems, and a major surgery. But for the past several months I have been healthy and continuing to take it mostly because I love the euphoric rush I get after I take it. This along with some of the other side effects I see from the drug such as insane munchies and memory loss have really begun to scare me. When I started the medication I was only taking 5mg, now I take 10mg sometimes 15mg a night.

I really want to get off this crap, but I am rather scared of the withdrawal symptoms that I have heard about from a lot of people. First off, Is there anything I should be careful of such as tapering instead of going cold turkey after being on ambien for so long? And does anyone have any hints on dealing with some of the withdrawal symptoms?

Thanks so much..

Alex,
Just read something on a very well known news website about more and more car accidents and deaths re: ambien- VERY dangerous to take more than 10 mg in any 24 hour periods. Taper for a few days .. if you have the will power.. Not me. It is a constant battle.

Good luck,

Sara