Re: Ambien Addiction - Help

On 25 Dec 2004 18:35:12 -0800, tforms1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:

>My grandmother has been feeling under the weather the last few months.
>Headaches (dizziness, and pain) and stomach aches and insomnia.
>Probably all related. (insomnia causes headaches, or vice versa)
>Doctors did not find anything strange during tests, etc.

>I just found out she has been taking like 2-3 a day!

The normal dose of Ambien for a geriatric patient is 5 mg.

The maximum dose is 10 mg. Two pills. 

Not what I'd call "addiction." 

>She keeps taking it because she cant fall asleep otherwise.
>So she wont stop taking the pills.

I assume there's a doctor in the loop, she's not buying it on the
Internet. 

>Any advice to help her get off the pills?  (alternatives, etc)

With strange aches/pains and insomnia, sedating antidepressants can
help in some patients. 

However, doctors have a good deal of fun explaining this to patients.
Especially when they read the typical pharmacy info sheet, which
invariably lists the "on-label" uses and then says "it may be used for
other purposes." 

I don't think they ever prescribe Elavil for an on-label use.