What Causes Lightheadedness While Weaning Off Ambien?

Posted on Wed, 19 Jul 2017

Question: I AM TRYING TO LESSEN MY DOSAGE OF AMBIEN (HAVE TAKEN IT OVER 20 YRS) AND MY DOCTOR GAVE ME GABAPENTIN (100 MG). ABOUT 4 HOURS AGO I ATE A GRAPEFRUIT. ABOUT AN HOUR AGO I WAS FEELING LIGHT HEADED AND WEIRD. MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS NORMAL. IDEAS?

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably it is acidity

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic,

Ambien or Zolpidem withdrawal is not the cause of your attack of light-headedness.
Most probably it is acidity caused by Grapefruit. Try taking Omeprazole/liquid antacid.

Another possibility is hangover effect of Gabapentin.

If you do not respond to antacid medication, do discuss with your doctor about the side effects of Gabapentin.

Feel free to revert back.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee