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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Reduced Dosage Of Ambien Be Taken If Experiencing Side Effects?

I've been taking Ambien/zolpidem 10 mg tabs nightly for 10 years. I've been experiencing some side effects so I decided to start taking only half the amount. I am doing ok with this and am sleeping. This is my third week. I want to beging taking 1/4 tab soon. Do you think I'm doing this the right way?
Mon, 6 Jul 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
hello user, you have not mentioned what kind of side effects you were experiencing - anyways you took it for 10 years and now tapering it , and apparently sleeping well without it too , so yes you can taper it that way and stop also . but again you have not mentioned that whether the drug was started for primary insomnia complaint or as part of treatment of some other mental ailment. in later case lack of sleep can re-trigger the symptoms so you have to do two things - one practice "sleep hygeine measures" taht you will get easily from google , secondly do tell your family members / friends to keep a eye on any emergent behavioural changes and timely report it to the doctor . hope i answered your query- any followup queries are welcome - if satisfied please rate the answer
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Can Reduced Dosage Of Ambien Be Taken If Experiencing Side Effects?

hello user, you have not mentioned what kind of side effects you were experiencing - anyways you took it for 10 years and now tapering it , and apparently sleeping well without it too , so yes you can taper it that way and stop also . but again you have not mentioned that whether the drug was started for primary insomnia complaint or as part of treatment of some other mental ailment. in later case lack of sleep can re-trigger the symptoms so you have to do two things - one practice sleep hygeine measures taht you will get easily from google , secondly do tell your family members / friends to keep a eye on any emergent behavioural changes and timely report it to the doctor . hope i answered your query- any followup queries are welcome - if satisfied please rate the answer