So my previous doctor prescribed me Ambien (Zolpidem) for sleep needs. However, I recently went to a new doctor and told him how my other doctor had prescribed me Ambien. He explained that generally Ambien is prescribed only in certain circumstances such as a tragic accident, etc. I tried to explain to him that I used Ambien in the past occasionally when my mind would not stop "thinking" and couldn't fall asleep. He then prescribed me Amtriptyline (which I guess is Elavil, brand name) and said take it as needed. Isn't this an antidepressant? And doesn't it take a while for pills such as this one to "build up" in your system to work effectively? I understand that antidepressants are sometimes used to treat insomnia, but in my case I feel that I would rather take ONE pill on the night that I cannot sleep, rather than taking this antidepressant night after night to get the "sleeping" side effects that I would like. What do you guys think? What do you suggest?