Just took my 1st Ambien & it didn't work

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nevertoolate
nevertoolate Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I've had a lot of trouble falling asleep at night. I have to get up at 6 am to go to work, so I value a good night's rest.

My onc prescribed Ambien yesterday. I took one at 9:15 and went right to bed. My eyes were wide open at 9:30 and I stayed up. After about an hour, I eventurally took Ativan and eventually felt sleepy.

The Ambien isn't covered by my insurance, so I spent a lot out of pocket because it has a "good" reputation.

Am I taking it the wrong way? Do I have to take it more nights in a row before it takes effect? Can I get my money back?

Thanks for your help.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited February 2012

    There are no refunds so no, you can't get your money back.  

    This brings up a good point about asking your physician for a few samples, which they usually have, before you get an expensive prescription filled.

    I use temazepam (Restoril) for sleeping.  It's an inexpensive generic drug.  You might want to ask your doctor about it.

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited February 2012

    I couldn't remember if this was one of the drugs that took awhile to kick in (I think melatonin's like that; you need to take it 1/2-1 hr before going to bed?). Anyway, I googled and one thing they said was to take Ambien on an empty stomach--at least 2 hrs after a meal. Not sure if the pharmacist's sheet has any other tips on how to take it. FWIW, one of my friends had sleeping problems and ended up cycling through different sleeping pills.  Each would work for a few weeks and then be less effective and she'd switch. Not sure if this happens to everyone but FYI.

    BTW, isn't ambien generic now (Zolpidem)? 

    Good luck. I had sleeping problems for almost two months and it was a real drag. Unless you go through it, it's hard to know just how much of a toll it can take. 

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  • financegirl
    financegirl Member Posts: 114
    edited March 2012

    I am retired which makes it much easier but It wouldn't matter anyway b/c I was on Decadron (steroid) and the onc said that I should not take the steroid after 4pm or I'd be awake all night.  The Decadron was needed though to help neuropathy in my fingers from the taxotere. 

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited March 2012

    It takes about 40 minutes for the ambien to kick in for me.  I try to take it 1 hour before I plan to go to sleep.  Everyone reacts different.  Some people get sleepy within 20 minutes. 

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  • SusieMTN
    SusieMTN Member Posts: 795
    edited March 2012

    nevertoolate If I might add my 2 cents to this.  You might want to see if your Ambien is Ambien or AMBEIN CR which is extended release.  The extended release worked better for me, but I have also used Melatonin (a natural product from health/vitamin store) and felt very groggy. I have also used Benedryl as it makes me sleepy and it has helped.  Sleepytime tea also helps.  There are so many things to help and it is a matter of finding what works for you and what is workable pocketbook wise.  Wishing you the best of luck in finding that right thing for you! :)

    Sleep is an important thing, so do speak with your doctor.

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited March 2012

    Yes, benedryl is a good option. I take Ambien CR (big pinkish pill) which is slower to get me to sleep than the tiny white pill of ambien (generics, of course), so I take one generic benedryl + the ambien CR. The benedryl kicks in fast, especially if you get the kind in capsule vs. the tablet. You can get these very cheaply (50 for 3.99) for CVS's store brand. If you don't know, the active ingredient is the PM part of Tylenol PM and Advil PM, etc.

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  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 538
    edited March 2012

    Nevertoolate - My doc prescribed Restoril. First one did not do a lot.  Second night slept for 5 and 1/2 hours - may take time to break disrupted sleep cycle, don't give up!

    Benadryl ok on AIs I think, but not if you are on Tamox.  Interfers with way body metabolizes it.

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