Addiction, Recovery Forum - Coming Off Ambien

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Q: Coming Off Ambien

asked by: DoctorQuestion on January 28th, 2006

I have been taking Ambien for aprox. 6 days. Although it helps me fall asleep quickly, I am still waking up during the night and feeling droggy the next day. I am going to stop taking Ambien and was wondering how long it stays in the system and if I will have any problems with withdrawals. Thanks in advance for any help..

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on February 9th, 2006

Addiction, Recovery Answer A309

Ambien (zolpidem) normally stays in the system a very short time. In 4 hours, half of its dose is usually eliminated. There is no data that indicates that it causes withdrawals. You can try to take this medicine for 2-3 weeks and slowly reduce the dosage until you are off it completely.

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