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Can I Take Zolpidem For Insomnia Inspite Of Clonazepam?

Posted on Wed, 16 Apr 2014

Question: Hello Dr. Grief, I have been diagnosed with MSA_ P and recently been troubled with insomnia, not being able to return to sleep after waking to urinate. One night's poor sleep is not too bad but 3 in a row is devastating. I was wondering if I could take ambien which is a drug I took as needed several years ago. I also take clonazepam (1mg) nightly for REM behavior disorder, ropinerole for RLS, and isradipine for BP. XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Manmeet Kaur (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer: avoid clonazepam and ambien together Detailed Answer: Hi After reading your medical history and investigations I suggest that If you intend to use zolpidem (ambien) then avoid taking clonazepam. Both are sedatives . Ambien is a newer sedative.If you are still not relieved I suggest that you must take a psychatric and neurological consult.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Manmeet Kaur (26 hours later)

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Thank you for your response. How long does clonazepam have a sedative effect on the body? Since I awaken usually after 4-5 hours sleep I assume it only lasts that long. Could I take another 1 mg pill in the middle of the night? Maybe a 1/2 a pill or .5 mg dose would allow me to go back to sleep. I am retired and have no need to get out of bed early so any residual sedation would not be a problem.

Answered by Dr. Manmeet Kaur (2 days later)

Brief Answer: Take a sustained release tablet Detailed Answer: Hi , there sorry for the delay in follow up . Clonazepam reaches its peak action in your body within 4 hours and can take 30-40 hours to be eliminated. I do not suggest that you take another pill at night as you are in danger of overdose at that point. I suggest that you take ambien CR tablet . That is a controller released tablet . It will help you sleep for 6-7 hours in continuation. Also, you should never take Ambien and Clonazepam together as that would cause XXXXXXX levels of sedation and mental status changes. I always suggest my patients to meditate before sleeping. Also if you can take a cup of luke-warm without sugar, you will find it very easy to fall asleep. I hope this helps you out . Take care

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj