Why can't I get to sleep when I take Zolpidem?
Have just started trying to take zolpidem after reading your book, but I can't get to sleep after taking it. Is this normal at first or does it mean it isn't suitable for me? Was on clonazepam for several years prior to this and this was much better but still not getting sufficient sleep on it, hence the change. Any advice would be appreciated as I am so sleep deprived and need to do something to change this very troublesome insomnia. Many Thanks.
Answer
In my patients in this setting, I am more likely to add the zolpidem/ambien to the clonazepam/Klonopin, as stopping the Klonopin may result in withdrawal that could be keeping you awake. In addition, I will sometimes have people crush the Ambien between their front teeth and put it under their tongue to absorb more quickly into the body, or have them take it a half hour to 45 minutes before they want to go to sleep. The Ambien is most helpful at putting people to sleep rather than keeping them asleep, so I add the other treatments discussed in my book as well.
L&B,
Dr. T
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the most frequently quoted post viral CFS, fibromyalgia, energy, sleep and pain medical authorities in the world. He is the author of 12 books including You Can Heal from Long Covid, the best-selling From Fatigued to Fantastic!, Pain Free 1-2-3, The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction, Real Cause Real Cure, The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution, and the popular free Smart Phone app Cures A-Z. He is the lead author of eight research studies and three medical textbook chapters on effective treatment for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Teitelbaum appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide, including past appearances on Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and FoxNewsHealth.
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