Question:

On 30 Dec 2004 06:36:29 -0800, tfor…@yahoo.com wrote:

Ambien only keeps you asleep for about 2.5 houra.   Really?  My friend who took it before told me this: "If you take 1 pill, you HAVE to sleep for 6 hours or more. If you wake up earlier then you will be groggy, etc…"

Response to CNS-active drugs do vary. Ambien keeps the person who stays asleep on it for 2.5 hours asleep for 2.5 hours.

There is a new sleeping pipp which will be available in mid January.  .  Name Lunesta.  Check it out. Whats the difference between this and ambien?

Lunesta is a different chemical class; it’s closest to Imovane (a drug that never made the US market). I was surprised to discover Lunesta can be prescribed on-label for extended use. [Wonder if that'll still be in the 2010 label?] I’m certain another difference will be that Sepracor will charge more for Lunesta.

Response:

On 27 Dec 2004 12:32:02 -0800, tfor…@yahoo.com wrote:

She sent us to the pharmacy to get her a refill but they wont do it, they said its too soon. Yeah, but its not like we are in daily contact with the doctor. The last time she saw him, he gave her the prescription, and thats it. Time to call the doctor Monday morning. But what do we say?  That she’s taking more than normal? He will probably just say "Well, she cant do that, she should take 1 a day" and thats all he will say/do.

Is that what you think her doctor will probably say, or that is what he said? I will tell you this no competent doctor who hears the two phrases "taking too many" and "sleeping pill" who doesn’t take it very seriously.

Response:

On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 15:04:28 -0600, Thad the man (m…@privacy.net) wrote:

On 27 Dec 2004 12:32:02 -0800, tfor…@yahoo.com wrote: He will probably just say "Well, she cant do that, she should take 1 a day" and thats all he will say/do. Is that what you think her doctor will probably say, or that is what he said?

IMHO, somebody hasn’t talked to the doctor. Occam’s Razor applies. <wink

I will tell you this no competent doctor who hears the two phrases "taking too many" and "sleeping pill" who doesn’t take it very seriously.

Doctors know they throw open the door to retrospective attention to their prescribing practices (read: lawsuits, State Board actions, DEA actions, etc.) if they were aware of it and didn’t take some sort of action. A number of years ago, I was prescribed Xanax and in retrospect I needed it at the time… but I didn’t want to take it because of my concerns of addiction. My doctor gave me an explanation of both the physiology of addiction (you’ll first become tolerant, and that’s an indication that you need to come see me… NOT increase the dose on your own!) and his responsibilities under State and Federal law (to prescribe what is appropriate, which generally doesn’t include dosages in excess of labeling — although a lot of drugs can be monitored by TDM to find an effective level in patients that don’t metabolize it well).

Response:

Ambien only keeps you asleep for about 2.5 houra.  There is a new

sleeping Really?  My friend who took it before told me this: "If you take 1 pill, you HAVE to sleep for 6 hours or more. If you wake up earlier then you will be groggy, etc…"

pipp which will be available in mid January.  .  Name Lunesta.  Check

it

out.

    Whats the difference between this and ambien?

Response:

<tfor…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:1104028512.777611.87060@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

My grandmother has been feeling under the weather the last few months. Headaches (dizziness, and pain) and stomach aches and insomnia. Probably all related. (insomnia causes headaches, or vice versa) Doctors did not find anything strange during tests, etc. So the doctor gave her ambien to help her sleep. (and other stuff for the pain) I just found out she has been taking like 2-3 a day! She takes 1 pill and sleeps for about 4-5 hours, then wakes up, and I think she takes another one to sleep. She keeps taking it because she cant fall asleep otherwise. So she wont stop taking the pills. Any advice to help her get off the pills?  (alternatives, etc) Thanks!

re ambien addiction .  Talk to the doctor about the addiction problem. Ambien only keeps you asleep for about 2.5 houra.  There is a new sleeping pipp which will be available in mid January.  .  Name Lunesta.  Check it out.

Response:

YANAD.

What does this mean?

IANAD, but Ambien is not the end-all and do-all of meds.

What does IANAD mean?

She has medicare (medicad? the one for seniors) and the plan goes

from

Nov to Oct.  And they said she has used up 6 out of 10 visits to the doctor already. (those bastards) I’ve never heard that one before. She must have signed up for a

really

chintzy Medicare HMO.

Yeah, I visit my grandparents once a week, and my grandfather showed me the letter. But it did say that you can talk to the doctor to increase the number of visits. I am not sure which medicare she signed up for…isnt there only 1? Its the one for senior citizens.

Response:

On 27 Dec 2004 15:37:52 -0800, tfor…@yahoo.com wrote:

YANAD. What does this mean?

You Are Not A Doctor.

IANAD, but Ambien is not the end-all and do-all of meds. What does IANAD mean?

I Am Not A Doctor.

I’ve never heard that one before. She must have signed up for a really chintzy Medicare HMO. Yeah, I visit my grandparents once a week, and my grandfather showed me the letter. I am not sure which medicare she signed up for…isnt there only 1?

There’s Traditional Medicare (with optional pre-defined "Medigap" insurance plans), and then there’s a number of Medicare HMOs. If you’re getting preauthorization letters, that’s generally HMO country.

Response:

On 27 Dec 2004 12:32:02 -0800, tfor…@yahoo.com wrote:

Time to call the doctor Monday morning. But what do we say?  That she’s taking more than normal? He will probably just say "Well, she cant do that, she should take 1 a day" and thats all he will say/do. Theres nothing really that can be done. (I think)

YANAD. IANAD, but Ambien is not the end-all and do-all of meds.

She has medicare (medicad? the one for seniors) and the plan goes from Nov to Oct.  And they said she has used up 6 out of 10 visits to the doctor already. (those bastards)

I’ve never heard that one before. She must have signed up for a really chintzy Medicare HMO.

Response:

Basically she cant go to sleep unless she takes an Ambien, and it works for a few hours only…then she still has stomach/head pain, so she wants to sleep more…but then she has to take another ambien…

I have been in this situation with Ambien (which I have taken for years at a time) and my sleep doc cautioned me against taking more than prescribed, not because it would cause addiction, but because it would speed the buildup of a tolerance that rendered the drug ineffective. Dick Evans

Response:

She sent us to the pharmacy to get her a refill but they wont do

it,

they said its too soon. Yeah, but its not like we are in daily contact with the doctor. The last time she saw him, he gave her the prescription, and thats

it.

Time to call the doctor Monday morning.

But what do we say?  That she’s taking more than normal? He will probably just say "Well, she cant do that, she should take 1 a day" and thats all he will say/do. Theres nothing really that can be done. (I think) She has medicare (medicad? the one for seniors) and the plan goes from Nov to Oct.  And they said she has used up 6 out of 10 visits to the doctor already. (those bastards) Basically she cant go to sleep unless she takes an Ambien, and it works for a few hours only…then she still has stomach/head pain, so she wants to sleep more…but then she has to take another ambien… sucks

Response:

Get in touch with the doctor now…… <tfor…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:1104116599.530454.257620@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I just found out she has been taking like 2-3 a day! The normal dose of Ambien for a geriatric patient is 5 mg. The maximum dose is 10 mg. Two pills. Not what I’d call "addiction." We got her the prescription last week and she has only 4 pills left.  So she went through 26 pills in a week! She sent us to the pharmacy to get her a refill but they wont do it, they said its too soon. She keeps taking it because she cant fall asleep otherwise. So she wont stop taking the pills. I assume there’s a doctor in the loop, she’s not buying it on the Internet. Yeah, but its not like we are in daily contact with the doctor. The last time she saw him, he gave her the prescription, and thats it.

Response:

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 23:18:22 -0500, Gary Rimar wrote:

Get in touch with the doctor now…… <tfor…@yahoo.com wrote: We got her the prescription last week and she has only 4 pills left.  So she went through 26 pills in a week!

That level is definitely patient incrementation of dosage beyond what’s prescribed. At least (hopefully) Grandma isn’t spiking it with whisky.  

She sent us to the pharmacy to get her a refill but they wont do it, they said its too soon. Yeah, but its not like we are in daily contact with the doctor. The last time she saw him, he gave her the prescription, and thats it.

Time to call the doctor Monday morning.

Response:

I just found out she has been taking like 2-3 a day! The normal dose of Ambien for a geriatric patient is 5 mg. The maximum dose is 10 mg. Two pills. Not what I’d call "addiction."

We got her the prescription last week and she has only 4 pills left.  So she went through 26 pills in a week! She sent us to the pharmacy to get her a refill but they wont do it, they said its too soon.

She keeps taking it because she cant fall asleep otherwise. So she wont stop taking the pills. I assume there’s a doctor in the loop, she’s not buying it on the Internet.

Yeah, but its not like we are in daily contact with the doctor. The last time she saw him, he gave her the prescription, and thats it.

Response:

My grandmother has been feeling under the weather the last few months. Headaches (dizziness, and pain) and stomach aches and insomnia. Probably all related. (insomnia causes headaches, or vice versa) Doctors did not find anything strange during tests, etc. So the doctor gave her ambien to help her sleep. (and other stuff for the pain) I just found out she has been taking like 2-3 a day! She takes 1 pill and sleeps for about 4-5 hours, then wakes up, and I think she takes another one to sleep. She keeps taking it because she cant fall asleep otherwise. So she wont stop taking the pills. Any advice to help her get off the pills?  (alternatives, etc) Thanks!

Response:

On 25 Dec 2004 18:35:12 -0800, tfor…@yahoo.com wrote:

My grandmother has been feeling under the weather the last few months. Headaches (dizziness, and pain) and stomach aches and insomnia. Probably all related. (insomnia causes headaches, or vice versa) Doctors did not find anything strange during tests, etc. I just found out she has been taking like 2-3 a day!

The normal dose of Ambien for a geriatric patient is 5 mg. The maximum dose is 10 mg. Two pills. Not what I’d call "addiction."

She keeps taking it because she cant fall asleep otherwise. So she wont stop taking the pills.

I assume there’s a doctor in the loop, she’s not buying it on the Internet.

Any advice to help her get off the pills?  (alternatives, etc)

With strange aches/pains and insomnia, sedating antidepressants can help in some patients. However, doctors have a good deal of fun explaining this to patients. Especially when they read the typical pharmacy info sheet, which invariably lists the "on-label" uses and then says "it may be used for other purposes." I don’t think they ever prescribe Elavil for an on-label use.

Response:

Question:

Christians in recovery, Fr. Emmerich Vogt http://www.12-step-review.org Sexual Compulsives Anonymous http://www.sca-recovery.org You cannot do this alone with your computer. No addiction can be overcome alone.  Find a 12 step sexual recovery group in your city where you can get help.

Response:

Hi…I’ve been struggling with this addiction for many years now and want to

Finf a dog and use it.

Response:

<<Hi…I’ve been struggling with this addiction for many years now and want to fully commit myself to overcoming this addiction through the grace of God.  I have been searching for a catholic support group online for this sort of thing…but have found nothing but generic non-religious based groups.  One resource that seems to turn up in all my sources is the Catholic Support Group for Pornography Addiction…but the page no longer exists.  Does anyone know of any decent christian or catholic discussion groups online catered to pornography addiction? Porn addiction is one of the hot buttons of Christian Computing Magazine’s founder, Steve Hewitt.  He can be contacted at anyone else seemed to take notice. It’s a tough addiction, Matt.  I’ll add you to my prayer list. If you find anything good, please share it back with the rest of us!

Response:

Hi…I’ve been struggling with this addiction for many years now and want to fully commit myself to overcoming this addiction through the grace of God.  I have been searching for a catholic support group online for this sort of thing…but have found nothing but generic non-religious based groups.  One resource that seems to turn up in all my sources is the Catholic Support Group for Pornography Addiction…but the page no longer exists.  Does anyone know of any decent christian or catholic discussion groups online catered to pornography addiction?

Response:

Question:

Hi Joe, I’ve only smoked heroin (I presume you used to shoot up) and never become addicted so I can’t advise you from my own experience. However, I know people who have been addicted and they have come off it succesfully.   It is going to be a long hard struggle but you’ve just got to keep on in there and see it through.  Don’t struggle alone ask your family to help you. Good luck with it, try to be strong and try to think positively about the good that will come at the end. Tony

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I need help. I’m 23 yrs old and have been taking heroin for 6 months. Am diagnosed Manic Depressive have gone through 4 courses of ECT in the past year. After last ECT in December failed to lift my paranoia and depression I went hardcore back into heroin. I decided to quit 3 days ago and have told my parents about my addiction. i never had withdrawal b4 but now I cant sleep, keep tearing snoring and am very very lethargic How long does the withdrawal last? I am suicidal at present and dont know how to handle this AND the depression. Everyone says I made the right move to come clean… but I am weak and this is too difficult. Please help…

Response:

Dear joE, I really think that you need to talk to someone in drug rehab.  I think I remember from a different post that you are seein a pdoc monday (?)  You very possibly shouldn’t wait that long if you are suicidal; with the withdrawal on of of it all, it sounds like it is just too much for you to handle on your own, and a hospital would be a safer place to be. Please talk to your dr at least, and tell him/her what is going on. "Everyone" is right, you have done the right thing.  Don’t mess it up by trying to do this on your own, K? Get some real life help. Please keep us posted and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!!! Amy

Hi, I need help. I’m 23 yrs old and have been taking heroin for 6 months. Am diagnosed Manic Depressive have gone through 4 courses of ECT in the past year. After last ECT in December failed to lift my paranoia and depression I went hardcore back into heroin. I decided to quit 3 days ago and have told my parents about my addiction. i never had withdrawal b4 but now I cant

sleep keep tearing snoring and am very very lethargic – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How long does the withdrawal last? I am suicidal at present and dont know how to handle this AND the depression. Everyone says I made the right move to come clean… but I am weak and this is too difficult. Please help…

Response:

Hi, I need help. I’m 23 yrs old and have been taking heroin for 6 months. Am diagnosed Manic Depressive have gone through 4 courses of ECT in the past year. After last ECT in December failed to lift my paranoia and depression I went hardcore back into heroin. I decided to quit 3 days ago and have told my parents about my addiction. i never had withdrawal b4 but now I cant sleep, keep tearing snoring and am very very lethargic

You must be so discouraged (couldn’t think of more appropriate word) that your bipolar disorder is unrelenting.  I imagine most of us appreciate the attempting any solution, however risky, to find relief.  And, clearly you realize heroin isn’t a good choice as a mood stabilizer.  What a lot of pain in your life now and I ache for you. Couple of questions/thoughts for you:  some psychiatrists (psychopharm. and neuropsych’s) are more suited to manage refractory (difficult to treat) disorders; can your parents assist in finding someone like that?  do you live near a medical school?  or even, check the yellow pages (seriously) under psychiatrists and neurologists to see if anyone lists bipolar as his/her specialty. Back to "how long does withdrawal last, ‘your brain may vary’ but, the physical signs and symptoms typically run course within 7 to 21 days. Cravings (sweet brain memory), however, can remain our life-long companion. IMPORTANT—cold turkey withdrawal and suicidal thoughts each have dangerous potential. I hope you seek emergency help immediately (antiseizure drugs, antipsychotics and tranqs. can make this bearable). Good news is, lots of unconventional meds are available to treat BP—maybe you haven’t had opportunity to experiment with them, yet.  Also, heroin is said to be easier to quit than nicotine (she says, cig dangling unattractively from lips). Post again, please.  Hang in there.  regards and best wishes, julie

Response:

Hang in there! It lasts for about a few weeks sometimes months.The benefits are well worth it. I hope you went into detox. You should never do it alone.  I watched my boyfriend with Manic Depression go off of his meds and end up being addicted to heroine and cocaine for a whole year, with off and on remissions. He has been sober for 3 months now in a half way house. It was the only thing that would work for him. He also got into alot of legal trouble which usually follows addictions after a while. I saw a movie called Sweet Nothings or something like that but Mira Sorivino was in it. It may give you a second look at drugs. My boyfriend would go on a binge then come home and sleep for like 1-2 days snoring very loadly.

Response:

Go see a doctor right away to help get you clean.  Don’t worry, from what I have heard, it won’t last forever.  Good Luck.  Veronica

Response:

Oh he also shot heroine and sniffed it. You’ll never get the high like you first did. That’s why people stay addicted. They are looking for that first high feeling. You’ll never get it.

Response:

JoE, Hang in there.  You need never do this alone, even though I’m sure you might feel so.  I know I’m dual diagnosis – drug addict and alcoholic with comormid psychiatric conditions (delayed chronic PTSD with Bipolar affective disorder).  I made almost 12 years clean and sober after using 16 years, then relapsed about 3 years ago, now I’m 23 months clean and sober.  My psychdoc feels that my relapse was due to my PTSD and BP going acute at same time, feeling crazy and trying desperately to self medicate. I was on anti-depressants for a simple diagnosis of depression. Anyway, I guess all I’m trying to say is that you are not alone.  Of course you can choose that, but very few make it that way. DITTO all the good advice you already received.  Good luck and you can enjoy the sunshine on your face and the sight and smell of fresh flowers again. Hoping you seek help close by, DonL

Response:

Hi, I need help. I’m 23 yrs old and have been taking heroin for 6 months. Am diagnosed Manic Depressive have gone through 4 courses of ECT in the past year. After last ECT in December failed to lift my paranoia and depression I went hardcore back into heroin. I decided to quit 3 days ago and have told my parents about my addiction. i never had withdrawal b4 but now I cant sleep, keep tearing snoring and am very very lethargic How long does the withdrawal last? I am suicidal at present and dont know how to handle this AND the depression.

Depends how much and how long you have used, so depending on those factors you may have withdrawal symptoms for up to 3 weeks. The symptoms reach their peak between 2-4 days and then its all down hill, so your almost over the worst Joe. Keep your fluid intake up and eat small meals. Between 5 and 7 days you should start to feel a bit better. If you feel like using wait for an hour, don’t pressure yourself with deciding whether to use or not. The more you fight with yourself whether to use or not will make you more anxious and make the craving stronger, so delay the decision. Don’t decide one way or the other as a lot can change in that hour and you’ll find you probably won’t as the craving will have passed. I’ve been on opiates for about 4 years now so I understand where your at. If you do use don’t destroy yourself over it, nor does it mean you’ve failed. Regards   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Everyone says I made the right move to come clean… but I am weak and this is too difficult. Please help…

Response:

You might think about getting yourself into a rehab, and quickly! Coming off of heroine is not to be done alone. If your suicidal, all the more reason. They can give you other (manageable) drugs to ease you through  this transition. You made the right decision to go off the drugs, just get some help so this can be done successfully. I wish you well. Deb * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

The best thing that you could do, it seems to be, is go to your nearest hospital (or call the hospital).  They may either have facilities where you can check in for a few days, or can refer you to drug-treatment facilities. The important thing is that you do this as soon as possible, before there is a chance of relapse. Take care of yourself, TAE

Response:

Hi, I am also recovering from an addiction problem.  Go to http://www.dreamwave.org/bipolarcafe    click on the links page and under Dual Diagnosis you’ll find some really good resources.  These people can help you find some support in your area. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I need help. I’m 23 yrs old and have been taking heroin for 6 months. Am diagnosed Manic Depressive have gone through 4 courses of ECT in the past year. After last ECT in December failed to lift my paranoia and depression I went hardcore back into heroin. I decided to quit 3 days ago and have told my parents about my addiction. i never had withdrawal b4 but now I cant sleep, keep tearing snoring and am very very lethargic How long does the withdrawal last? I am suicidal at present and dont know how to handle this AND the depression. Everyone says I made the right move to come clean… but I am weak and this is too difficult. Please help…

Response:

Hi, I need help. I’m 23 yrs old and have been taking heroin for 6 months. Am diagnosed Manic Depressive have gone through 4 courses of ECT in the past year. After last ECT in December failed to lift my paranoia and depression I went hardcore back into heroin. I decided to quit 3 days ago and have told my parents about my addiction. i never had withdrawal b4 but now I cant sleep, keep tearing snoring and am very very lethargic How long does the withdrawal last? I am suicidal at present and dont know how to handle this AND the depression. Everyone says I made the right move to come clean… but I am weak and this is too difficult. Please help…

Response: