Ambien CR and things that go bump in the night....

Well I have been having a super hard time going to sleep so very recently my Doc gave me an Rx for Ambien Cr 12.5mg. Well evidently I have been having phone conversations at night when my friends and love ones have called and not only have I been a little weird or rude on the phone I have had no recollection of even talking to them on the phone........ Last night I was NOT nice on the phone but nobody is telling me exactly what I said..... Then when I got up this morning I found my toaster out and bread crumbs on the counter with a little butter and grape jelly...........

Evidently I got up plugged it in, made toast w/ butter and jelly and ate it and I guess went back to bed....... which is most likely why I was feeling miserable this morning. I called my Doc and left a message so we'll see what he says tomorrow I suppose. Has anyone experienced this before? Any input is appreciated. Thanks Margo Marie

You are not the first that this has happened to.  Others have not only talked in their sleep, but walked and driven their car.  Also, have heard of other folks eating in their sleep.  Would suggest you get a different sleeper!!!  Good Luck!

Hi Margo Marie, I used to take Ambien until I started sleep walking, talking, and eating, and smoking too. It is a side effect of Ambien. I stopped taking it and switched to Lunesta. So far I haven't had any problems with that.  It kind of got really scary because we have guns in the house and God forbid I picked up a gun while I was on the Ambien, God only knows what can happen. There have also been recent studies that people are sleep driving on Ambien.  My husband said after I went to bed he would hide my car keys,  the cigarettes, and the guns so I wouldn't have any clue where they were. I also learned that I don't dump when I sleep. I can eat all the sugar I want when sleeping, but if awake I would dump. Really, really strange!! All of my doctors are totally baffled by that one.  My suggestion, get away from that Ambien and switch to something else!! Been there, done that, it is a totally bizzare (sp?) experience!! Jo Ann

Hey Margo - sorry that is happening but you may want to try a natural alternative  - there is an vitamin called MELATONIN available in Walmart, Walgreens, etc. It is a sleep aid and it has really worked for me postop.  Also (1) Tylenol PM is also very good to take 1hr prior to giong to bed for sleep.  Definately I would not take that Ambien CR.

Lator Gator,

Ruthy

I have never used this drug but I have heard stories of people even driving somewhere on it and never even remembering about it.  I would try rescue remedy/sleep formula. I use it all the time.  I have problems sleeping because my brain does not turn off and keeps going and going.

My hubby was on it and we got him right off it.  he was beligerant and rude.  Not to the kids mind you but to me as I was the one to "fetch" him in the night.  He too would make meals at night.  My dad actually was witness to one particular episode where he ate ice cream out of his shoe.  Try a different type if you can.  Hoping you find one that works without the cruddy side effects.

that dosent sound good... when i cant sleep i just take 2 benadryl...i hope you get some peaceful sleep soon

Ambien is known for causing sleepwalking and sleep eating in some patients. Stop taking it and discss with y our doctor. There are other effective sleep aids that dont cause the sleepwalking/eating. I speak from experience---I would sleep walk and eat.

*** THANK YOU *** Thank you for all the replies My doctor has now called in a Rx for Restalin instead of the Ambien but to be honest I am a little worried to try something new now.

I think I am going to try more activity at night and see if that helps........maybe take a walk with the kids after dinner or something. I did a little research on the Restalin and alot of articles equate it or link it to the date rape drug so that cant be good.    I will see how it goes this weekend without the Restalin or Ambien and just adding more activity. If that doesnt work I may try Melatonin from the GNC first. Thank you so much for all the input everyone I truly appreciate your time to respond to me. I love this place :)    Its no nice to have a safety zone to go to and ask questions to people that have " been there...done that" : ) Have a great day! Hugs Margo Marie

I AGREE WITH BABYPPHAT ABOUT MELATONIN. MY SURGEON SUGGESTED I TAKE THAT AND I DO, NOT EVERY NIGHT BUT IT'S MUCH SAFER THAN AMBIEN. I HAVE AMBIEN AT HOME AND HAVE TAKEN THAT ALSO, BUT HAVEN'T BEEN TOLD THAT I AM DOING ALL THE WIERED STUFF. GOOD LUCK!