How to Use Melatonin to Taper Off Ambien

Ambien is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs for insomnia as of 2009. However, it carries the risk of some unpleasant side effects such as; sleep-driving, sleep-walking, engaging in sexual activities, making phone calls, preparing and eating food,and performing other everyday normal tasks while asleep and retaining no memory of the events upon waking. Due in large part to these undesirable side-effects, many patients are searching for an alternative. The natural supplement melatonin is a great candidate. Melatonin is the chemical naturally produced by your body that tells your brain it is time to sleep. It is available in a pill form, is not addictive and does not carry the side effects that Ambien has. Because Ambien is a stronger drug than the Melatonin supplement, you will want to take more Melatonin initially, as you are weaned off of the prescription medication. In order to taper off use of the prescription drug, you will need to reduce your use to the minimal dose, you may need to consult your doctor in order to obtain a new prescription at the lowered strength.

Things You'll Need

  • Melatonin
  • Water
  • Ambien
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Take three 3mg Melatonin pills with a full glass of water thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night for a week. Also take the minimal dosage of Ambien each night as you would normally.

    • 2

      Take two 3mg Melatonin pills with a full glass of water thirty thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night the second week. Take the minimal Ambien dosage every other night.

    • 3

      Take one 3mg Melatonin pill with a full glass of water thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night as desired. Take the Ambien every three nights in addition to the Melatonin.

    • 4

      Take just one 3mg Melatonin pill with a full glass of water thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night as desired.

Tips & Warnings

  • The effectiveness of the Melatonin is relative to your general body size, if you are smaller or larger than average you will want to adjust the dosages for your personal situation.

  • Ambien is a hypnotic and many long-term users report withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, abdominal discomfort, weakness, sweating and nausea, especially when suddenly stopping use of the drug. If you experience these symptoms of withdrawal, consult your physician.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

You May Also Like

  • Ambien Side Effects & Sleepwalking

    Short periods of insomnia due to stress or other environmental issues, such as noise are usually normal. To help with sleep, more...

  • Melatonin Risks for Children

    Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, a small cone-shaped structure in the brain. It is available over the counter...

  • Melatonin Facts

    Over-the-counter supplemental melatonin is used as an alternative to prescription sleeping pills, which can have sometimes hazardous side effects. People report that...

  • How to Get Off Ambien

    Ambien is a hypnotic, or sedative, medication. It treats insomnia by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Unfortunately, Ambien...

  • How to Use Melatonin to Sleep Better

    That tired feeling you get when you haven't slept in a while is a result of melatonin--a natural hormone produced by the...

  • Can You Give a Dog Ambien?

    Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate, which is a sleep aid and tranqilizer for people. It should never be given...

  • Risks of Ambien

    Ambien, or the generic drug zolpidem, is a strong sedative meant to help people with insomnia. Because it makes you sleepy, it...

  • Safe Way to Stop Taking Effexor XR 75

    Effexor, whose generic drug is venlafaxine, is an antidepressant used to treat psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression and panic disorder. Effexor...

  • How Long Can Ambien CR Be Taken?

    Ambien CR is a prescription sleep aid frequently used for the treatment of insomnia or in combination with other prescription medication to...

  • How to Taper Sleep Medication

    The sleep medication your doctor prescribed sure did the trick. You're sleeping like a baby every night, thanks to those pills. But...

  • How to Wean Your Baby off the Breast

    Weaning can be a difficult time for both mother and baby, but doing it gradually with lots of love can ease the...

  • Food Containing Melatonin

    Having trouble sleeping? Eating foods containing melatonin may be the answer to your problem. Produced by the brain, melatonin is a hormone...

  • Medication for Exhaustion From Depression

    Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability from ages 15 to 44 in the United States, according to the National...

  • What Are the Strengths of Ambien?

    What Are the Strengths of Ambien?. Ambien, which is also known by its generic name zolpidem, is a prescription drug that works...

  • Ambien Long-Term Use Side Effects

    Ambien is a medication doctors prescribe to help patients get a full night of sleep. There have been reports of abuse of...

  • Side Effects of Ambien & Effexor

    Prescription drug stacking has become an all-too common practice. In a society that believes in treatment through medication, it is not uncommon...

  • Can You Use Ambien CR Every Night?

    Ambien CR is commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia, or the persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It...

  • How to Take Ambien

    Ambien is the brand name version of the drug zolpidem. It is used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. The medication...

  • When to Take Melatonin

    Melatonin is a naturally occurring brain chemical that is very important in the regulation of the healthy sleep patterns and circadian rhythm....

  • How to Stop Taking Ambien CR

    In a world where the average adult is overworked, overstressed and doesn't get enough sleep as a result of this, many have...

Related Ads

Featured