Posted by Chris A. on March 6, 2000, at 22:20:10
In reply to Sleep problems?, posted by medlib on March 6, 2000, at 0:49:38
Welcome, Linda!
Ambien has continued to work for me long term. I only consider going without it when I am fairly stable. If I am not asleep by midnight I take it. For those of us with bipolar, mania, hypomania and mixed episodes are often triggered by disruption in sleep patterns. On very rare occassions I wake up in the middle of the night and take another 5 mgs. Good sleep hygiene is always the first choice, but I will admit that I personally consider this med a lifesaver. It's a lot better than feeling a sense of torture all night long. It's probably prudent not to prescribe them for those with a history of addictions. Your post provided the impetus to go back and review what that the PDR has to say (I consider it a legal document). Much of medicine has a risk/benefit aspect to it.
I am a 'retired' nurse with a graduate degree in counseling that I'm not using either.Chris A.
poster:Chris A.
thread:26088
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26183.html