Ambien? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

DB1973 · 09-16-2005, 01:15 PM

My doctor just gave me a prescription for Ambien to help with some insomnia that I have been having. How has this drug worked for you? Is there a best time to take it before going to sleep? Do you wake up groggy?

Thanks

bulletinboard25 · 09-17-2005, 03:51 PM

I would say 15-30 minutes before you go to bed.. and WITHOUT food, as it will work better.

I find the more sleep I get on it, the better I feel when I wake up.. If I were to get up and stay up after 2-3 hours, I would feel groggy.. but typically the next day, I feel great.. very refreshed.

hgray37 · 09-19-2005, 10:23 AM

Hi DB........I've been struggling with sleep for quite a while now and my Doctor had prescribed Ambien for me to take at bedtime. I would take one, like BB said about 15-30 minutes before I actually climbed into bed but I never got much relief taking them........didn't have any side effects but they didn't help me sleep either. Just this past thursday I saw my doctor and he changed my prescription to Ativan 1mg. and told me to take just one before bed. I have been taking them since thursday night and so far I have been sleeping like a baby. I can't believe how well I have been sleeping with them. In fact, I had to start setting my alarm again. When I get up in the morning I feel great.....no side effects and I am feeling good all day. I also have PTSD and I have noticed a change in how I feel mentally as well. I know it's because I am sleeping now and its made a big difference. I know everybody is different so Ambien may work great for you......good luck!

smc612 · 09-19-2005, 03:26 PM

ambien didn't work for me. i take klonopin most nights but i think the PTSD warrants a tranquilizer. if you're too wound up you need to calm down before you can sleep and ambien won't cut it.