Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Is Ambien addicting?

Its great to hear everyone expierences about the different meds!!! Its funny how the same drug can affect two people so differently! As some of you may already know, I was a drug addict. I had a serious addiction to coke and meth for several years. I have been clean now for 8 years. I KNOW I have an addictive personality and have to be especially careful with medications for this reason.

On a regular basis, I take Zoloft, for depression/anxiety. I have been on Wellbutrin, Prozax and Lexapro as well. Personally, I liked the Lexapro the best but since I'm trying to make a baby they switched me back to a low dose of 50mg of Zoloft. A year ago when I tried to stop the Lexapro, I really would prefer not to take any AD while pregnant, I had a horrible time. The physical side effects, shaking, dizzy, headaches, inability to concentrate, etc, lasted about 3 weeks. I went another 3 weeks after that before I broke down and went back to the dr. It was awful. I was miserable. I could hardley get out of bed. I cried all the time. I couldn't deal with anything. I had thoughts of sucide. I truely believe that some people, myslef included, have some sort of chemical imbalance that requires medication. So, I've pretty much resigned myself to being on some sort of AD probably forever.

This last year has been so physically and emotionally terrible for me, I've started having frequent panick attacks, racing heart, shaking hands and just plain TENSE, VERY TENSE. This is why my dr has prescribed me Xanax. Its the lowest dose, 25mg. I don't take it every day. I take it only when needed. I did have a bad week a couple of weeks ago with a bad pain IBS attack and did take it pretty much every day for a week and when I felt better, I just stopped taking it, without any problems. I haven't had one now in several days and I'm doing fine.

The Vicodin is prescribed to me for these pain IBS attacks and again, is taken just when needed. Same thing, I took those several times a day for over a week and again, haven't had one in several days now. So, I think it is possible, if used responsibily, that these types of drugs do have their place. Even for people who have had addiction issues in the past. I am well aware that I have to be very careful, much more so than maybe the "average" person because of my addictions in the past. But, I also feel the benefits I get from the occasional use of these drugs is well worth the risk.

As for the Ambien, I haven't noticed any changes in my memory or other negative effects. I feel this drug has been very effective in treating my insomnia. I will ween myself of in another month or so when I'm done with all my fertility testing and am actually trying to get pregnant. I've been told to expect some "rebound" insomina at first but hopefully I won't expierence anything worse than that! I'll have to keep you posted on that in the next couple of months!

--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator