Why does Ambien(zolpidem) give me a terrible headache the following day and makes me nauseous?

[Pitbull-In-Cage]

I have been suffering from OCD and I have difficulty falling asleep. I have been using Ativan(Lorazepam) 6mg earlier to manage my anxiety and sleep and later my doctor tapered it to 2mg at night time but it stopped working all of a sudden, especially with the sleep. So, my doctor prescribed Ambien 10 mg for insomnia but it is giving me terrible headaches the next day and increases my anxiety and I get a hangover-like feeling and it makes it hard to go to work like that. Due to it, I switched back to Ativan but I'm worried about dependence. Has anyone faced a similar situation or have any suggestions? Your thoughts are appreciated!

[Focusedmind]

I have never taken Ambien or Ativan for sleep because my sister warned me that it caused her hallucinations when she was using Ambien. When I was going through 4 surgeries for my knees and hips, my doctor put me on trazodone 50 mg. And although I found this medication very helpful for insomnia, it also made me very sleepy the next day, so I weaned off it as soon as possible.

I also have sleep apnea, so I use a CPAC machine and use melatonin 1 mg every night, which I take 3 hours before bed. (I find a smaller amount taken several hours before bed works the best for me.) And I meditate before bedtime and use meditation music while I fall asleep every night. I have worked with a sleep specialist and have tried to educate myself on the internet about insomnia, especially on the Mayo Health Clinic's website. Please keep trying to figure out what works best for you! Good luck!

[Pitbull-In-Cage in reply to Focusedmind]

Thanks for the valuable suggestions. I definitely agree with you on the hallucinations part after using Ambien. Also, I do meditation to get a better sleep and peace of mind and I’m practicing 100% sobriety since my insomnia gone bad but still I do not get to sleep without medication. But, I’m trying not to use both Ativan and Ambien due to their habit forming qualities. But I will push myself further and will try practicing a good sleep hygiene. I’m a very tough individual and I’ve a great pain tolerance but this lack of sleep drives me nuts sometimes. But I’m optimistic that with the right approach I can definitely cope with it in a better way. Thanks again for your valuable suggestions and moral support! It means a lot.

[Focusedmind in reply to Pitbull-In-Cage]

You might want to be tested by a sleep specialist or at least talk to a doctor in this field. They may have some thoughts that would help you. Sleep is such a personal thing so that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. Just keep trying different options!

[IStillHaveHope]

Hello,

I'm in a similar boat to you. I was taking both Ativan and Ambien at night for sleep and anxiety but weaned off both about 9 months ago. Unfortunately I'm back on Ambien since I'm switching medicines and it's giving me insomnia.

I will say it was harder for to get off the Ativan for me than the Ambien. I was on 10mg of Ambien and it took about a month to wean down from. I also used Melatonin to help with the rebound insomnia. It took a little work but wasn't too bad. The Ativan took about 3 months to wean off and had more side effects for me.

I have been talking to my doctor recently, because I'm wondering if the Ambien is increasing my anxiety. I'm not a doctor, but from what I've read online that is possible. The good news is that there are alternatives if you have an issue. Have you talked with your doctor about how you're feeling?

[Pitbull-In-Cage in reply to IStillHaveHope]

Hi,

Thanks for your message. I’ve spoken with my doctor and he said reduce the dose to 5 mg instead of 10. I’ve tried it for a couple of days but the side effects were almost similar. Actually, I’ve completely stopped taking Ambien since day before yesterday because my anxiety was through the roof and intrusive thoughts were so strong as I didn’t sleep properly after reducing the dose to 5 mg. I’m literally having hangover like feeling and I’m going through terrible withdrawal right now. I’ve had hallucinations yesterday as I didn’t sleep the whole night. I’ve gone through benzo withdrawal in the past but I wasn’t aware that Ambien withdrawal are even terrible and you can get dependent on Ambien just in 3 weeks. So, I’ve weened of completely. Also, I’m worried about Ativan dependence too and I’m bit reluctant to use it. I’ve pledged myself to not use Ambien or Ativan from now on and will try to live without both of these because both of them are habit forming & that’s the last thing I want right now. I’m trying some natural herbs for sleep management and planning to talk to a sleep therapist if things didn’t improve in the coming days. I’m an optimist and hoping for the best and I think things will get better one day. Everyday, I say to my mind, bring it on but you know what, I’ll defeat you. Thanks again for your message & the valuable suggestions! It means a lot. I wish you a very good health and prosperity!

[IStillHaveHope in reply to Pitbull-In-Cage]

It's important to remember to work with your doctor to wean off these medications. Make sure you are doing that as these medications can cause severe withdrawals if stopped immediately. Believe me, you don't want that.

Also, I don't know if you have this, but don't let your fear of using medication become another OCD thought. If you need the medication, you need the medication. It just sounds a bit like all or nothing thinking when you say, "I've pledged myself not to use Ambien or Ativan...". If you have a good doctor they are weighing the pros with the cons of the medicine. Let them do their work.

Please don't be too hard on yourself and be kind to yourself. It sounds good that you'll speak with a sleep therapist in a few days if things don't get better. From your profile it doesn't sound like you're from America, but if things get really bad you can always go to a hospital. They can provide treatment immediately. I know it may be scary to think about going there, but if you need to please do. You are worth it my friend

I really hope things get better for you. I know how hard OCD and no sleep can be. If you need anything you can always reach out on this forum. God bless you my friend.

[Pitbull-In-Cage in reply to IStillHaveHope]

Thank you my friend. May be you’re right, I’m bit reluctant to use these medications and may be my ocd is doing that. & yes, you’re right I’m not from the States but I’ve access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world. And my doctor is good and very experienced too. May be my strict military upbringing is forcing me to not quit without a fight. So, maybe that’s causing me to do that, I don’t know. I’ve dealt with anxiety for long and been through some rough times. So, I think this phase will pass too. But yes you’re very right that doctors knows the best. Hence, I’ll consult with my doctor soon and look for an alternative. I’ve been blessed with a baby girl a year and a half ago & that’s the best thing ever happened to me. Whenever I see her, I feel motivated. I’ve a son too. And both of my kids are love of my life. OCD has been tough on me and interrupting my day to day life, especially with my work and my family life. But losing this fight against OCD is not an option for me. So, I’ll keep pushing myself and also seek right help and treatment for myself. And, I know I’ll defeat this OCD one day. “Your mind is your greatest weapon” but it can be your worst enemy too. Therefore, I’ll put my mind against my own mind to overcome my OCD. Thanks for your kind words though. Your message has motivated me. Thank you and may god bless you!

[Pitbull-In-Cage in reply to IStillHaveHope]

Hi brother,

I hope you’re doing good. I consulted with my doctor today and he prescribed me with Clomipramine 50 mg and Melatonin 5 mg and said to discontinue Ambien because I was having very bad side effects. I already stopped taking Ambien a week ago and went through hell. Insomnia went nuts and withdrawal was terrible and very much similar to Ativan withdrawal. So, at last I went to see my doctor. I’ve tried to handle my insomnia and anxiety of my own but I couldn’t take no more. Feeling bit disappointed and still reluctant to use new medications since I’ve not tried Clomipramine and Melatonin before but I hope that I’ll get better this time. Thanks for your valuable suggestions and support.

[IStillHaveHope in reply to Pitbull-In-Cage]

I know how you feel. When I was first diagnosed with OCD I was reluctant to take any medicine. I wanted to overcome it myself. However I've come to learn that this isn't a weakness or a flaw. I just don't make enough serotonin in my brain. It's no different from someone with high cholesterol taking medication to keep it in check. In a way it's not "you" it's your OCD.If you haven't, try and find a good therapist who specializes in OCD. Therapy with medication is something like greater than 80% successful.

Also, I've read you shouldn't abruptly stop taking Ambien abruptly as it can have severe withdrawal symptoms. It's important to have a doctor monitor you when trying to stop. When I got off of it initially, it took about a month to taper. I used melatonin as a supplement to help support that. Melatonin is made by your body naturally and for me just makes me sleepy.

I know how disappointing it can feel, but you are taking steps to fix your problems. It will take time and probably won't be easy, but it is possible to live a happy and productive life with OCD. I and many more on this site are proof of that. Good luck and God bless.

[Pitbull-In-Cage in reply to IStillHaveHope]

Thank you!

[LuvSun in reply to Pitbull-In-Cage]

You have a great positive outlook.💪

[Pitbull-In-Cage in reply to LuvSun]

Thank you & may god bless you!