Ambien CR? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

bulletinboard25 · 09-29-2005, 12:47 PM

I know the controlled release version of Ambien has been approved. Is it available to be prescribed and do pharmacies actually have it in stock?

I was reading on a psychs web site and he said this formulation should help the patient stay asleep longer... Something along the lines of, the original formulation helped patients fall asleep but most didn't get the 7-8 hours of sleep they desired, but the new CR formulation dissolves quick so a person can fall asleep more quickly, then also releases something slowly to help a person stay asleep.

Was wondering, as I have a psych apt coming up and didn't want to ask about it if it was months from being in pharmacies.

MediaGal · 09-30-2005, 01:58 AM

I was just at my doc's office and she knows that I can't STAY asleep if I ever GET to sleep at all, and she prescribed regular Ambien for me once again. I needed it last in the spring, and have had much trouble sleeping all summer long and I finally broke down and went for the prescription again. I would think that if she knew about a newer version that she'd prescribe it for me. I think I'll call over there tomorrow and ask. It's 4AM and I took the Ambien at 1:45AM, and barely feel a thing....

bulletinboard25 · 09-30-2005, 07:24 AM

I have an appointment today around 1:00 w/ my psych and am going to inquire about this medicine. I see at CVS they already have it in stock.

When I take regular Ambien, it I maybe get 3-4 hours of sleep, if that... then I'm wide awake.

Supposedly, since the CR is continually released into your system, you sleep longer.

I'll let you know what happens.. Probably just will refill my regular Ambien.