How to Use Melatonin to Taper Off Ambien
Ambien is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs for insomnia as of 2009. However, it carries the risk of some unpleasant side effects such as; sleep-driving, sleep-walking, engaging in sexual activities, making phone calls, preparing and eating food,and performing other everyday normal tasks while asleep and retaining no memory of the events upon waking. Due in large part to these undesirable side-effects, many patients are searching for an alternative. The natural supplement melatonin is a great candidate. Melatonin is the chemical naturally produced by your body that tells your brain it is time to sleep. It is available in a pill form, is not addictive and does not carry the side effects that Ambien has. Because Ambien is a stronger drug than the Melatonin supplement, you will want to take more Melatonin initially, as you are weaned off of the prescription medication 1. In order to taper off use of the prescription drug, you will need to reduce your use to the minimal dose, you may need to consult your doctor in order to obtain a new prescription at the lowered strength 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Take three 3mg Melatonin pills with a full glass of water thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night for a week. Also take the minimal dosage of Ambien each night as you would normally.
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Take two 3mg Melatonin pills with a full glass of water thirty thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night the second week. Take the minimal Ambien dosage every other night.
Take one 3mg Melatonin pill with a full glass of water thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night as desired. Take the Ambien every three nights in addition to the Melatonin.
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Take just one 3mg Melatonin pill with a full glass of water thirty minutes before getting into bed, every night as desired.
Tips
The effectiveness of the Melatonin is relative to your general body size, if you are smaller or larger than average you will want to adjust the dosages for your personal situation.
Warnings
Ambien is a hypnotic and many long-term users report withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, abdominal discomfort, weakness, sweating and nausea, especially when suddenly stopping use of the drug. If you experience these symptoms of withdrawal, consult your physician.
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References
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- James M, Tremea MO, Jones JS, Krohmer JR. Can melatonin improve adaptation to night shift? Am J Emerg Med 1998;16:367-70. doi:10.1016/s0735-6757(98)90129-2
- Fischer, S., Smolnik, R., Herms, M., Born, J., and Fehm, H. L. Melatonin acutely improves the neuroendocrine architecture of sleep in blind individuals. J Clin Endocrinol.Metab 2003;88(11):5315-5320. doi10.1210/jc.2003-030540
- Gringras P, Gamble C, Jones AP, et al; MENDS Study Group. Melatonin for sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: randomised double masked placebo controlled trial. BMJ. 2012 Nov 5;345:e6664. doi10.1136/bmj.e6664
- Jan, J. E., Hamilton, D., Seward, N., Fast, D. K., Freeman, R. D., and Laudon, M. Clinical trials of controlled-release melatonin in children with sleep- wake cycle disorders. J Pineal Res 2000;29(1):34-39.
- Nagtegaal JE, Laurant MW, Kerkhof GA, et al. Effects of melatonin on the quality of life in patients with delayed sleep phase syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2000;48:45-50. doi:10.1016/s0022-3999(99)00075-6
- Natural Standard. "Melatonin" Mayoclinic.com.
- PDRHealth. "Melatonin"
- Rossignol, D. A. and Frye, R. E. Melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev.Med.Child Neurol. 2011;53(9):783-792. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.03980.x
- Sack RL, Brandes RW, Kendall AR, et al. Entrainment of free-running circadian rhythms by melatonin in blind people. N Engl J Med 2000;343:1070-7. doi:10.1056/NEJM200010123431503
Tips
- The effectiveness of the Melatonin is relative to your general body size, if you are smaller or larger than average you will want to adjust the dosages for your personal situation.
Warnings
- Ambien is a hypnotic and many long-term users report withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, abdominal discomfort, weakness, sweating and nausea, especially when suddenly stopping use of the drug. If you experience these symptoms of withdrawal, consult your physician.
Writer Bio
Noel Stanchfield is a travel, health and beauty writer. She has been writing from firsthand experience since 2004, contributing to various online publications.