For Sqab

[Samuraisan]

Sqab, maybe you can advice me ? I was prescribed Stilnox ( zolpidem ) for insomnia, they give me a good night's sleep, albeit with many weird dreams, but my question is whether I will get addicted to them. I have a lot of work related stress at the moment and doubt I would sleep much without them at the moment. Many thanks.

[BlackadderV]

This might give you further info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zolpidem#Tolerance.2C_dependence.2C_and_withdrawal

[ummmm]

Sqab is a long retired ENT surgeon. See your GP or pharmacist...

[Butterbun]

Oh dear, you have renamed sqad. Not sure he'll like it.

[Samuraisan]

Ummmmmm, it was prescribed to me by my GP! But sometimes I think they hand out prescriptions like candy. I am afraid if I don't take one I will toss and turn all night. Anyway, thanks for your answers.

[Sqad]

As ummmm states, I am a retired medical practionner, but still have a right to post on AB............I assume.

I cannot see that you will be addicted to them, in the true sense of the word, but you may become dependant on them.

Try to use them sparingly

[Dizmo]

They are good tablets, too good - for me anyway. I was only prescribed 3 and have ditched the other 2. I was asleep for 14 hours. I'd rather have sandbags under my eyes :)

[kylesmum]

Why would you want to 'get' off them?

I'm always astounded by the amount of people who are reluctant to take meds in case they become addicted. Why would you care?If you took them for the rest of your life why would you be affected?If you were killed tomorrow then sorted, all that worry for nothing...
If they help...take them.

Ive spoken to GPs and even they're bemused :/

[pastafreak]

I wouldn't want to be dependent on any meds if my condition could be resolved by other means. Only if my survival depended on them would I take something long term.

[smurfchops]

Samuraisan, have you tried Somnivex? You can buy them over the counter.

[Samuraisan]

Yes Smurf, I have. But to tell you the truth they make feel dopey in the mornings, whereas Stilnox don't , I wake up refreshed. I only take one, Dizmo. And in 20 mins. I have to close my Kindle, sometimes I have to re read the last bit! According to my OH I snore a bit too but I think that's my sinuses. What a mess ! I think I may cut down to half and see how I get on. You say use sparingly Sqad, but I dread a sleepless night.

[Samuraisan]

And Sqab, we are fortunate us ABers , to be able to ask your advise. Many thanks. To all of you.

[Samuraisan]

Incidently,how would you differentiate Dependance as to Addiction ?

[anneasquith]

you have been to your GP with a problem. they have prescribed medication which appears to be working. now you think you may reduce them ? definition of addiction/dependence see dictionary.

[Cloverjo]

Sorry, Samuraisan, I can't answer your question.
But, can anyone tell me more about about Somnivex? Google doesn't know anything about it and nor do the pharmacy websites I've looked on. Is it similar to Unisom which I think you can only get in America?

[Sqad]

Cloverjo........never heard of it........sorry.

[Dizmo]

kylesmum: The medication for me worked but too well. I agree if they help you sleep and you're not worried about becoming addicted to them then that's fine.

I was merely offering my input as to how sleeping tablets affected me - even after a single dose. That is why I stopped taking them. I've never met a GP that hasn't agreed to that. In fact it would of been irresponsible of me to keep taking them knowing that they were upsetting my body clock. I have the benefit of know why I don't sleep so tablets for me just aren't the way forward.

As pastafreak has also mentioned, it wouldn't be good to get dependant on medication if it isn't needed.

Also, I have absolutely no issue with taking addictive medication on a long term. I've been taking tramadol for over 5 years now, before 30/500 codeine/paracetamol for about 10 years.

[slaney]

Perhaps Sominex which is an antihistamine?
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/sominex.html

Unisom seems to be a mixture of antihistamines...
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unisom

[Cloverjo]

Thanks, slaney.

[kylesmum]

Dizmo, sorry just revisited this thread.

I was replying to the OP not you.You were above me when I replied but there was nothing in your post at all to imply I was replying to you :)

I also am on meds for life... I don't care as i'd rather have a life if that's what it entails.